Introduction to Research Methods

1. Research Ann Benson

2. Have you ever been involved in research? Have you ever received a phone call and someone asked your candidate choice in a future election? Or, has anyone called and asked you what type of cereal you eat? The experience of having someone ask your choice or opinion is called taking a “survey.”

3. Other Forms of Research Behavioral Observation Case Study Correlation Experiment

4. Behavioral Observation Organized method of watching Recording frequency of target behavior Observe entire set of subject behavior Observer has no interaction with the subject or the environment

5. Case Study Summative, describing one person, situation, animal Can provide ideas for future research

6. Correlations Measure the strength of a relationship Positive correlation: Frequency of hot days and frequency of ice cream bought Negative correlation: Frequency of hot days and decline in purchase of hot chocolate

7. Correlations do not prove cause and effect Experiments focus on cause and effect

8. Experiments Cause and effect Strict manipulation of factors Scientific method www.fickr.com/photos/wryer/79670441/

9. Scientific Method

10. Do we cease conducting an experiment after we secure data one time? Microsoft 2007 Clipart

11. Yes, repeat, repeat, . . . Repetition of the original experiment is necessary We compare repeated experimental data to decide if the original data is consistent or to provide us with information as to how to tweak the original experimental design.

12. References Santrock, John W. (2008). Life-Span Development, McGraw-Hill. www.fickr.com/photos/wfryer/79670441 Microsoft 2007 Clipart