Lecture Notes: Research Methods in AP Psychology

Introduction

• Welcome to the review of Practice 2 in AP Psychology CED focusing on research methods and design.
• Guided notes available in the video description to help focus on key parts.

Experimental vs. Non-Experimental Methodologies

Experimental Methodology

• Systematic and controlled testing to establish causal relationships.
• Tests a hypothesis by manipulating independent and dependent variables.

Non-Experimental Methodologies

• Purpose: Describe behaviors, not explain.
• Methods:
  • Case Studies: Detailed examination of a single subject.
  • Correlational Studies: Examine relationships between two variables; do not establish causation.
  • Meta-Analysis: Combines results from multiple studies.
  • Naturalistic Observation: Observing subjects in their natural environment.

Designing a Study

Hypothesis

• Testable prediction between variables.
• Must be falsifiable.

Operational Definitions

• Specific procedures and measurements for variables.
• Example: Defining what "more sleep" means in a study.

Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated by researcher (cause).
• Dependent Variable (DV): Measured outcome (effect).
• Confounding Variables: Uncontrolled variables that affect DV.

Population and Sample

• Population: Entire group being studied.
• Sample: Subset representing the population.
• Sampling Methods:
  • Random Sampling
  • Stratified Sampling
  • Avoid Sampling Bias (e.g., Convenience Sampling)

Experimental and Control Groups

• Experimental Group: Receives the IV.
• Control Group: Receives a placebo.
• Random Assignment: Ensures unbiased allocation to groups.

Quasi-Experiments

• Used when random assignment is unethical or impossible, e.g., studies on depression.

Procedures and Measurements

Blinding Procedures

• Single-Blind: Participants unaware of group allocation.
• Double-Blind: Both participants and researchers unaware.
• Prevents Bias: Social desirability and experimenter bias.

Data Collection

• Qualitative Measures: Non-numerical, descriptive insights.
• Quantitative Measures: Numerical data for statistical analysis.

Ethics and Participant Protection

Informed Consent

• Participants must be aware of risks and give consent.
• Informed Assent: Used for minors with guardian consent.

Ethical Guidelines

• Researchers must create a safe and respectful environment.
• APA and IRB: Set and enforce ethical standards.
• IACUC: Oversees animal research ethics.

Conclusions: Peer Review and Replication

• Peer Review: Ensures reliability and validity before publication.
• Replication: Confirms findings by repeating studies.

• Practice with quizzes and resources available in Mr. Sin's Ultimate Review Packet.
• Engage with practice questions and check answers for understanding.

Note: The lecture encourages practice and further study using additional resources provided.