Research Methods in Psychology

Dr. Swope continues the AP Psychology lesson, focusing on research methods, including surveys, naturalistic observation, and case studies. The lesson emphasizes the importance of operational definitions and validity in research. Dr. Swope also discusses the significance of correlational studies and the challenges of proving causality. The session concludes with an exploration of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

Why is psychology considered a science?

• Because of the careful use of research methods

• Because it studies human behavior

• Because it involves experiments

• Because it studies the brain using MRI

What is the importance of operational definitions in research?

• They ensure the research is ethical

• They simplify the research process

• They allow for scientific measurement

• They help in defining the research question

What is the main focus of the humanistic approach?

• Chemical processes and brain structures

• Thought processes and decision-making

• Free will and self-actualization

• Reinforcements and learned associations

Which research method involves observing subjects in their natural environment?

• Survey

• Case Study

• Naturalistic Observation

• Experiment

What is a key disadvantage of surveys?

• They are time-consuming

• They cannot prove causality

• They are expensive

• They require specialized equipment

What is a significant advantage of case studies?

• They can prove causality

• They are broad but not deep

• They are cheap and quick

• They provide deep insights into rare cases

What is a correlational study?

• A study that uses operational definitions

• A study that proves causality

• A study that examines the relationship between two variables

• A study that involves experiments

What is the Hawthorne effect?

• People's behavior is influenced by their environment

• People act naturally in a lab setting

• People act differently when they are being watched

• People always tell the truth in surveys

What is a longitudinal study?

• A study that compares two groups at one time

• A study that follows participants over a long period

• A study that uses surveys

• A study that involves a single case

What is the main disadvantage of cross-sectional research?

• It is time-consuming

• It requires specialized equipment

• It is expensive

• It only provides a snapshot, not a moving picture