PSYCH 3640 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Expert Witness, Random Assignment
2 Sep 2016
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Science- approach that involves the understanding, prediction, and
control of some phenomenon of interest
•Science has common methods
•Science is a logical approach to investigation
o Based on a theory, hypothesis, or basic interest
•Science depends on data
o Gathered in a laboratory or the field
Research must be communicable, open, and public
•Research published in journals, reports, or books
o 1. Methods of data collection described
o 2. Data reported
o 3. Analysis displayed for examination
o 4. Conclusions presented
Scientists set out to disprove theories or hypotheses
•Goal: to eliminate all plausible explanations except one
Scientists are objective
•Expectation that researchers will be objective & not influenced by
biases or prejudices
Roles of Science in Society
-Expert witness in a lawsuit
•permitted to voice opinions about organizational practices
Why do I-O psychologists engage in research?
•Better equip HR professionals in making decisions in organizations
•Proved an aspect of predictability to HR decisions
Research Designs
1. Experimental:
•random assignment of participants to conditions
•conducted in a laboratory or the workplace
2. Non-experimental:
•does not include manipulation or assignment to different conditions
•2 common designs:
o observational design: observes and records behavior
o survey/questionnaire design (most common)
3. Quasi-experimental:
•non-random assignment of participants to conditions
Quantitative Methods- rely on tests, rating scales, questionnaires, &
physiological measures; yield results in terms of numbers
Qualitative Methods- include procedures like observation, interview, case
study, & analysis of written documents; generally produce flow diagrams &
narrative descriptions of events’ processes
**** BOTH METHODS ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE****
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