PSYC1003 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Internal Validity, Construct Validity, Dependent And Independent Variables
Research methods: chapter 2 and three of the textbook
When we do research in psych we want to describe (are there patterns etc.), predict (what
are the precursors and consequences), explain (understanding how... Causeal links b/w
variables) and apply knowledge (using knowledge to address relevant issues).
How do we do this?
We use scientific theories that rely on observation and experimentation. But, can we use
science to learn about people? (My ideas: yes, but to an extent. Science is quite universal
which would help in psych as the ideas and theories are all ever-changing... For example,
consciousness... But then again so things to do with psychology may be unmeasurable...
How can you measure emotion for example? Science would help to explain and help in the
communication aspect, but there is so much that siee a’t eplai eause e are just
not there yet. People are also individual, with no 2 alike all the way down to our biological
makeup. However, there are enough similarities that can be studied using science. There are
so many questions science a’t gie asers for; thus, it aot e used aloe to lear ad
use in chemistry.
Why do we need an objective way to study humanity? Because very frequently the outcome
that ou ould epet or is logial is’t hat happes.
Or sometimes, we just have no idea! Absence makes the heart grow fonder or absence
akes the heart ader? It’s ot just lak ad hite.
Research methods:
1.Case study - CAN DESCRIBE
2.Survey - Can describe and predict
3. Quasi-experiment- describe, predict and sometimes explain
4. Experiment: describe, predict and explain.
The info found in these methods can be applied but must be done appropriately.
Experiments do ALL three... So why do we need all three other methods?
Independent variable: it is the manipulation introduced by the researcher.
Dependent variable: The outcome that is measured
Systematic differences... Effect manipulation or outcome
Strengths and weaknesses
Experiments generally have two issues: if not done well the results may be due to a
confound not due to the iv. Experimental manipulation is not always possible
Quasi experiments: E.G do children with disabilities get bullied more often?
Well the, it’s ot rado alloatio!!! The to groups ould e disailit ad o-
disability...
There is heaps of other factors that may impact the results... E.G children with disabilities
may go to special schools and has a lack of social awareness.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Research methods: chapter 2 and three of the textbook. When we do research in psych we want to describe (are there patterns etc. ), predict (what are the precursors and consequences), explain (understanding how causeal links b/w variables) and apply knowledge (using knowledge to address relevant issues). We use scientific theories that rely on observation and experimentation. But, can we use science to learn about people? (my ideas: yes, but to an extent. Science is quite universal which would help in psych as the ideas and theories are all ever-changing for example, consciousness But then again so things to do with psychology may be unmeasurable Science would help to explain and help in the communication aspect, but there is so much that s(cid:272)ie(cid:374)(cid:272)e (cid:272)a(cid:374)"t e(cid:454)plai(cid:374) (cid:271)e(cid:272)ause (cid:449)e are just not there yet. People are also individual, with no 2 alike all the way down to our biological makeup. However, there are enough similarities that can be studied using science.
