File

Psychological
Research Methods
and Ethics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo
The Scientific Experimental Method
**In an experiment, something causes
something observable to happen**
-- Cause and Effect -Hypothesis
Independent Variable: Changed or introduced
by researcher
Dependent Variable:
Changes depend on the
Independent Variable
Control Group:
- Does NOT receive the Independent Variable
- Is used as a comparison to see the effect of the
Independent Variable
Experimental Group:
- Receives the Independent Variable
- Is compared against the Control
Group to see the effect of the
Independent Variable
• Random Assignment:
• Leading Questions:
The use of chance procedures to ensure
that each participant has the same
opportunity to be assigned to any group
Questions asked in a way to suggest an
answer
How much will prices go up this year?
I really hate this government!! What are your thoughts on the
Conservative party?
Is it true that you are happier now?
Did you see the Badger?
Types of Research Methods
The Double Blind Experiment vs. Single Blind
Experiment
• Single Blind: The participants of the experiment do not know
which experimental group they are in.
• Double Blind: Neither the researcher nor the participants know
which experimental group the participants are in.
• This is the ideal experimental model!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=Sq4S6ArE7wc
Questionnaires and Surveys
Why do psychologists use Questionnaires and
Surveys?
What are the advantages? Disadvantages?
Observation
•Hypothesis: Red cars go faster than other
cars
•Method: Sit and measure… and sit and
measure…
Ethical Practice
What does ‘Ethics’ mean?
• Ethics: Moral Principles which govern behaviour or
practice.
What is unethical in the following experiments?
Little Albert 1920
• John Watson conditions a fear of furry creatures into a
baby which remains with the child for decades.
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=HZP
XVb0W3Hc
• The Landis Facial Expressions
Experiment 1924
• The Monster Study 1939
The Robbers Cave Experiment
The Facebook Psychological
Experiments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W
XsNh7QV_4Y
Ethical Principles of Psychological Research
•To keep participants completely informed;
openness and honesty
•The participants may back out; there are
clear responsibilities and intentions
•To protect participants from physical and
mental discomfort, harm or danger
•To warn participants of any risk