Understanding Behavioral Science Research Methods and Ethics
Ways of Knowing
Less Scientific Ways
Intuition: Based on emotions and personal judgment, often leading to false conclusions about cause and effect.
Illusory Correlation: Occurs when we perceive a connection between two unrelated events that stand out and occur together.
Authority: Based on unquestioning acceptance of information from an authority figure, even without evidence.
Scientific Approach
Skepticism: Evaluating ideas based on logic and scientific evidence.
Empiricism: Relying on observation and experimentation to gather data.
Goals of Behavioral Science Research
- Describe behavior
- Predict behavior
- Determine the causes of behavior
- Explain behavior
Key Concepts in Research
Temporal Precedence: The cause must precede the effect in time.
Extraneous Variables: Factors that can influence the outcome of a study but are not the focus of the research.
Covariation: The presence or absence of the cause is associated with the presence or absence of the effect.
Types of Research
Basic Research: Explores fundamental questions about behavior.
Applied Research: Addresses practical problems and potential solutions.
Research Designs
Experimental Research
Experimental Group: Receives the intervention or treatment.
Control Group: Receives no intervention or a placebo.
Differences between the groups are used to assess the effect of the intervention.
Quasi-Experimental Research
Used when it is not possible to control all variables, such as in studies with pre-existing groups.
True Experimental Research
All relevant variables are controlled by the researcher.
Data Evaluation Methods
Statistical Methods: Analyze numerical data to identify patterns and relationships.
Non-Statistical Methods: Analyze qualitative data, such as interviews or observations.
Research Approaches
Qualitative Research: Explores underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
Quantitative Research: Collects and analyzes numerical data.
Research Process
- Identify a research question.
- Develop a hypothesis.
- Design and conduct the study.
- Analyze the data.
- Draw conclusions and report the findings.
Ethical Considerations
The Belmont Report
Outlines ethical principles for research with human subjects:
- Beneficence: Do no harm.
- Autonomy: Respect for persons and informed consent.
- Justice: Fairness in the distribution of benefits and risks.
APA Ethics Code
Provides guidelines for ethical conduct in psychological research, including:
- Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
- Fidelity and Responsibility
- Integrity
- Justice
- Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity
Informed Consent
Participants must be fully informed about the study and voluntarily agree to participate.
Debriefing
Provides participants with information about the study and addresses any concerns.
Variables
Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent Variable: The variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.
Validity
Internal Validity: The extent to which a study establishes a causal relationship between variables.
Construct Validity: The extent to which a measure accurately assesses the intended construct.
External Validity: The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other populations or settings.
Reliability
Test-Retest Reliability: Consistency of results over time.
Internal Consistency Reliability: Consistency of results within a measure.
Interrater Reliability: Consistency of observations between different raters.
Sampling Techniques
Probability Sampling: Each member of the population has a known probability of being selected.
Nonprobability Sampling: The probability of selection is unknown.
Conclusion
Understanding research methods and ethical considerations is crucial for conducting and interpreting behavioral science research. By adhering to ethical principles and using appropriate research designs and methods, researchers can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and improve our understanding of human behavior.