PSY 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Random Assignment, Longitudinal Study, Participant Observation
Document Summary
Abstract: psychologists research questions in a variety of methods. Experiments allow researchers to make casual inferences: other types of methods include longitudinal and quasi-experimental designs, many factors, including practical constraints, determine the type of methods researchers use. Often researchers survey people even though it would be better, but more expensive and time consuming to track them longitudinally. Research designs: observations are the foundation of science. perceive. It is the result of systematic and intentional study of the natural world: we all know seeing is believing, but conducting science is much more than just what your eyes can. Which method you choose will depend on the type of questions you are asking. variety of methods. Experimental research: psychologists measure many abstract concepts, like happiness and intelligence, by beginning with operational definitions of the concepts, operational definitions: how researchers specifically measure a concept.