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Chapter
2
Research Methodology
Outline

What Is Scientific Inquiry?

  • The Scientific Method Depends on Theories, Hypotheses, and Research
  • Unexpected Findings Can Be Valuable

What Are the Types of Studies in Psychological Research?

  • Descriptive Studies Involve Observing and Classifying Behavior
  • Correlational Designs Examine How Variables Are Related
  • An Experiment Involves Manipulating Conditions
  • Critical Thinking Skill: Identifying the Need for Control Groups
  • Random Assignment Is Used to Establish Equivalent Groups
  • Critical Thinking Skill: Recognizing That Large Samples Generate More Reliable Results Than Small Samples

What Are the Data Collection Methods of Psychological Science?

  • Observing Is an Unobtrusive Strategy
  • Case Studies Examine Individual Lives and Organizations
  • Asking Takes a More Active Approach
  • Response Performance Measures Information Processing
  • Body/Brain Activity Can Be Measured Directly
  • Research with Animals Provides Important Data
  • There Are Ethical Issues to Consider

How Are Data Analyzed and Evaluated?

  • Good Research Requires Valid, Reliable, and Accurate Data
  • Descriptive Statistics Provide a Summary of the Data
  • Correlations Describe the Relationships between Variables
  • Inferential Statistics Permit Generalizations
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