Unit 2 Research Methods

Research Methods

Psychology uses a variety of research methods to gather data and answer questions about human behavior and mental processes. Here are some common research methods used in psychology:

• Experimental Research: In this method, researchers manipulate one or more variables and observe the effects on another variable. This is often done in a laboratory setting with controlled conditions.
• Correlational Research: This method involves studying the relationship between two or more variables. Researchers do not manipulate any variables, but instead, observe how they are related.
• Observational Research: This method involves observing and recording behavior in naturalistic settings. Researchers do not manipulate any variables, but instead, study how people behave in their everyday environments.
• Survey Research: This method involves asking people questions about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Surveys can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online.
• Case Study Research: This method involves in-depth examination of a particular person or group. Researchers collect a variety of data, such as interviews, observations, and records, to gain a detailed understanding of the individual or group.
• Cross-sectional Research: This method involves comparing groups of people at different ages or stages in their lives. This type of research is often used to study development.
• Longitudinal Research: This method involves following a group of people over an extended period of time, often years or even decades. This type of research is often used to study changes over time.

Each research method has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of method depends on the research question, resources, and ethical considerations.

Ethics in Psychology

Ethical concerns in psychology research center around the treatment of human subjects and the responsibility of researchers to conduct their studies in a way that respects the rights and well-being of participants. Here are some of the most important ethical concerns in psychology research:

• Informed Consent: Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants before they can participate in a study. This means that participants must be fully informed about the nature of the research, any risks or benefits associated with participation, and their right to withdraw at any time.
• Confidentiality: Researchers must protect the confidentiality of participants by keeping their personal information private and not disclosing any information that could identify them without their consent.
• Deception: Researchers must avoid deceiving participants about the nature of the research or the purpose of the study, unless there is no other feasible way to conduct the study.
• Risk of Harm: Researchers must avoid exposing participants to any unnecessary physical or psychological harm. If a study involves any risk of harm, researchers must take steps to minimize that risk and ensure that participants are aware of any potential risks.
• Debriefing: Researchers must provide participants with a debriefing after the study has been completed, explaining the purpose of the research and answering any questions they may have.
• Respect for Participants: Researchers must treat participants with respect and dignity, ensuring that they are not exploited or subjected to any form of discrimination.
• Institutional Review: Researchers must obtain approval for their study from an institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee before the study can begin. The IRB evaluates the study to ensure that it meets ethical standards and protects the rights and welfare of participants.

These ethical concerns are important to ensure that research in psychology is conducted in a way that is responsible and respectful of participants. Violating these ethical guidelines can result in serious consequences, including harm to participants, loss of funding, and damage to the reputation of the researcher or institution.

Watch these videos to help learn material for Unit 2 and to study for the AP Exam.

Time Needed to Watch ALL Videos

42 minutes 40 seconds

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Exact Instructions Challenge (6:45)	Can Your Brain Give You Energy (3:55)	Descriptive Methods (7:30)	Correlation vs. Causation (5:38)

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Mean, Median, Mode (3:46)	Psychology Experiments/Ethics (7:51)	Psychological Research (10:51)	Textbook Chapter 2 (10:22)

Practice Questions

• Practice Test #1

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