Getting an Experimental Idea

1. Getting an Experimental Idea Psych 231: Research Methods in Psychology

2. Write down two things that you “know”. • Write down HOW you “know” those things. Exercise: How do we know?

3. Our focus Scientific Method Type of knowledge Objective Subjective having existence outside of a person’s mind (“real”) existing in a person’s mind Empiricism (Experience) Rationalism (Logical reasoning) Persuasion Analysis Ways of knowing Authority Instruction Regulation (rules & laws) Tenacity Faith Intuition Acceptance Methods of Inquiry

4. The scientific method • A method used to test and analyze claims about behavior • Uses systematic observation and experimentation • A 6 step process Methods of Inquiry

5. Step 1: Observation • Pay attention to the world around you, look for generalizations write down two generalizations that you have observed about people’s behavior • Two classes of generalizations • Descriptive generalizations – just describe how it is/what was seen, without making predictions • Cause and effect generalizations – makes predictions about the observed relationship between two (or more) things. Scientific Method

6. Variables • The characteristics of the behavior and the surrounding context • Step 2: Develop a theory or hypothesis • Identify the variables associated with your observations • An explanation for the observed behavior(s) • How are the variables related to one another? • May be based on past research, common sense, intuition, logic, etc. Scientific Method

7. Step 3: Generate a testable prediction • Need to specify how your hypothesis can be tested. • The relevant variables must be defined and observable. • Falsification is at the heart of the scientific method • Scientists don’t try to prove a theory, but rather set out to refute (“disprove”) theories Scientific Method

8. Step 4: Make systematic observations • Observational and experimental methods • Which variables will we examine? • How do we measure these variables? • Which variables can we systematically manipulate? • What variables need to be controlled? • Were (from whom) will we collect the observations? Scientific Method

9. Step 5: Evaluate your evidence • Refutes theory • Supports theory (not “proves the theory”) • Leads to the revision of the theory • Consider alternative theories • There are always alternative explanations Scientific Method

10. new hypotheses systematic observations predictions new hypotheses systematic observations predictions hypotheses • Step 6: Repeat observations Scientific Method

11. Where do research ideas come from? • Classic barriers & mistakes Getting ideas for research

12. Continuum of the development of research ideas Informal Formal • Research is often driven by curiosity. • We typically study things that interest us. “This is interesting. I’d like to know more.” “We’ve got a problem to solve.” “We understand some things, but there are still questions.” “The theory says X. Let’s test the theory.” Where do ideas come from?

13. Observation • Direct observation - things that you observe: includes public observation, self observation, observing children, observing animals • Vicarious observation - what somebody else has observed and reported Where do ideas come from?

14. Observation • Common Sense - things that we all think are true • “Opposites attract” • But note: a lot of our common sense is contradictory • Absence makes the heart grow fonder • Long distance affairs never last Where do ideas come from?

15. Observation • Common Sense • Past research – find out what research has already been done and ask yourself “what don’t we know still” • Follow-up studies, expanding the past research in more detail or new directions • Improvements on past research studies, maybe you think the past research had some serious flaws or limitations Where do ideas come from?

16. Observation • Common Sense • Past research • Identify a problem – perhaps there is an important problem or issue that needs a (or some) solution(s). • WWII - why did airplanes keep crashing? • Led to development early cognitive theories of attention Where do ideas come from?

17. Ask the Experts • Putting your trust in somebody else who knows the research field and the issues that need answers • Observation • Common Sense • Past research • Identify a problem Where do ideas come from?

18. Great ideas You Classic barriers & mistakes

19. I’m not smart enough. • Somebody else must have already done this. • I don’t know how to pursue the idea. • It’s too simple, something must be wrong. • The idea will take too much work. • Do consider the practicality of the work load, but don’t be afraid of hard work. Simple is good! Classic barriers & mistakes

20. Not interested. • Don’t procrastinate and take your time • Glued to your first idea. • Be flexible, adjust your idea as you learn more • Can’t find any literature to review. • Our goal is that you come away from this course with the knowledge and ability to see past these pitfalls. Classic barriers & mistakes cont.

21. Reviewing the Literature • Chapters 2, 5, 9 • Chapter 2 • Reminder: WebCT Quiz #1 due @ noon on Monday: covers Chapters 1&2 Next time