behavioral research where to start? chapter two. introduction where do scientists get research...
Post on 16-Jan-2016
218 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Behavioral ResearchWhere to Start?
Chapter Two
Introduction
Where do scientists get research ideas? Past Research- published findings of previous
studies. Observation of the World around us
Kitty Genovese-Helping Behavior Hitler-Blind Obedience
Common Sense Practical Problems Theories
Theories
Two Important Functions of theories:
. 1. Organize and explain a variety of facts or descriptions of behavior.
2. Generate new knowledge by focusing our thinking so that we notice new aspects of behavior
.
Initial Phase of research: Hypothesis
Hypothesis-tentative idea stated in formal terms that two or more variables are related to each other. Ex: Crowding results in reduced performances on cognitive tasks. Hypothesis should have three elements Correspondence with Reality-the extent to which the
hypothesis agrees with accepted truths and known facts. Combination of coherence and Parsimony- the hypothesis
should make sense ( coherent) and should be straightforward and simple (parsimony).
Falsifiability- hypothesis must in principle have the ability to be refuted.
Prediction
After the hypothesis is formulated, the researcher would make a prediction concerning the outcome of the experiment. Ex: Participants in the un-crowded condition will perform better on the tasks than participants in the crowded condition.
Results of the study have to be phrased in a specific way. If the results of the experiment are as predicted we say our hypothesis is supported ( not proven); if the experiment results go against our prediction we do not say it was disproven, wrong, etc. We would state the results do not support the current hypothesis. ….WHY?
Library Research
Before Conducting any research, an investigator must have a thorough knowledge of previous research findings.
Sources of Research: Professional Journals Psychological Abstracts Internet Searches PsycINFO
Basic steps involved in Scientific research and reporting
Posing a question-Hypothesis---Introduction
Developing procedures to answer the question-Methods
Planning for, and then making, appropriate empirical observations-Conducting the experiment-Results
Rationally interpreting the empirical observations-Conclusion
PsychINfO
APA computer database system of Psych Abstracts
Available on the www, usually through the library system.
Updated weekly, covers from 1800-present
Good place to start, however the full article may be needed.
PsychINFO Search
Usually begins with a box for Search term or phrase
Testing Depression and Exercise Best to be as specific as possible first or
you will pull up too many citations. EX: Type in: the effects of exercise on
depression or exercise as a depression treatment.
The use of “and”, “or” and “not”
To use these operators you must be in PsychINFO Advanced search or Google
Use of AND: forces both conditions to be included. If you type in depression and anxiety, you will get all hits on depression and all hits on anxiety.
Advanced Search: Depression AND Anxiety will only list references that include both.
PsychINFO
Or: Advanced search-when first search was too narrow
Depression OR Major Depressive Disorder Or Melancholia will include all of these words that could describe depression.
NOT: If you want to include some things and not others: Depression NOT Manic Depressive Disorder.
Other Electronic Resources
Medline PubMed PsycARTICLES (
http://www.apa.org/psycarticles) Scholar Google
Evaluating Web Information
Is the site associated with a major educational institution? If the site is sponsored by a single individual or organization it should be viewed with skepticism.
Check credentials of those providing information: “Sam’s view on Depression” is probably not very credible.
Do links lead to legitimate organizations? Is the information current?
Anatomy of a Research Article
Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion
top related