, Week 1 Lecture Topic: Quantitative Methods
Why we need science, The scientific process, Correlation and causation,
Experimental design, Variables & how to measure them, Confounds,
Research ethics
LECTURE 1: WHY WE NEED SCIENCE
Why study Psychology?
→ Understand why people do the things they do
→ Understand yourself and your reactions to people better
→ How your brain and body are connected & brain and behaviour interplays
→ How to improve your learning abilities and memory
→ How to deal with the stresses of life (ordinary + extraordinary)
Why study Research Methods?
• Whilst studying Psychology it is important to have an understanding of the methods that
Psychologists use
• Psychology and its research methods promote critical thinking which can be used to
evaluate not only research, but other kinds of statements and claims made by others
• Research can be flawed; understanding the research process can bring those flaws to light
• In order to study behaviour and mental processes, researchers have to observe them. When
observing someone/ something, there is always a possibility that the observer is bias =
faulty observations
• In order to be precise, we use the scientific method to study Psychology
TWO STRANDS OF RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY:
Quantitative Qualitative
Logical positivist paradigm Many different paradigms
Prediction and causation In-depth understandings
PSY1005S Summary Notes 2
, → Lots of politics surrounding quantitative vs. qualitative
→ Both equally important & provide insightful research
→ Quantitative = numbers & statistics; Qualitative = words
→ Paradigm: a pattern/ model
GOALS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
1. DESCRIPTION
Do students who study in front of the TV do worse than those who study in a quiet
environment?
2. PREDICTION
If you study in front of the TV, you’ll do worse than if you study in a quiet environment
3. IDENTIFY CAUSES
Do matric marks influence university outcomes? What influences these marks?
4. EXPLAINING
If watching violence on TV causes aggressive behaviour, how?
MYTHS IN PSYCHOLOGY
− Humans only use 10% of their brains
− ‘Refrigerator mothers’ cause autism in their children
− Opposites attract
WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT MYTHS?
• Can be harmful, e.g. a parent who spanks their child may genuinely believe it is effective
• Can cause indirect damage, e.g. opportunity cost – buying worthless self-help books
• Can impede our critical thinking in other area
PSY1005S Summary Notes 3
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller vdrtam002. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $14.15. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.