psychology — psychologists

The scientific method relies on testable theories and falsifiable hypotheses.

Four steps in the scientific method:

1. Develop a hypothesis [testable, falsifiable]

        operational definitions/ objective descriptions of concepts involved in a scientific study.

2. Collect Objective data

        empirical

3. Analyze the results and accept or reject the hypothesis 

4. Publish, criticize, and replicate the results

Five types of psychological research, research utilizing this scientific method can employ 

    Experiments: cause-effect relationship, independent variable [operates independently of everything else in the study], depend variable [the outcome variable, the effect], experimental group [experimental condition ] & control group [control condition], random assignment

    Correlational studies: positive & negative & zero, interpreting correlational findings[ A causes B/ B causes A / C causes both A and B] 

    Surveys: gather data from large numbers of respondents relatively quickly and inexpensively; vulnerability to a variety of biases

    Naturalistic observations: naturally occur; lack of control over the environment, time-consuming and expensive

    Case studies: clinical method. valuable information that could be obtained in no other way

Researchers call fall pray to expectancy bias. 

    they observe what they expect to observe. 

    One way scientists control for bias in their studies is the double-blind method. 

Ethical Issues in psychological research

    informed consent

    deception

    animal studies