The use of the scientific method in Psychology

1. The use of the scientific method in Psychology AS Psychology PY2

2. Introduction • Psychologists, like all scientists, use the Scientific Method to produce valid explanations of the world around them.

3. The Scientific Method • The Scientific process starts with OBSERVATION of behaviour or other phenomena in the world. • this then leads to the developments of a theory (TENTATIVE explanation) • A study is conducted to test hypotheses that come from the theory • Conclusions are drawn from the findings of the study.

4. Example: the spontaneous generation theory Scientific method Life emerges from non-living matter Make Observations Theory Mice emerge from dirty socks Reject the theory Come up with a better one Hypothesis No mice!!!! Experiment Place dirty socks in a glass jar for a few days

5. Scientific Method • Referring back to the definition of ‘Scientific’, any research can be considered scientific as long as it collects data in an objective, controlled manner. • The following research methods have been put in order of how scientific they are considered to be. • Lab Experiments • Field Experiments • Natural Experiments • Interviews/Questionnaires • Observations

6. The Stanford Prison Study by Philip Zimbardo (p133-5) • Describe the observations made by Zimbardo in the early 1970’s. • What were the two competing theories used to explain these observations • Describe the experiment Zimbardo used to try and choose between these competing theories. • What did Zimbardo find? Which theory did the findings seem to support?

7. The Stanford Prison Study by Philip Zimbardo (p133-5) • Was the study valid? – Use the information on p135 to support your view. • Was the study reliable? – Use the information on p135 to support your view. • Was the study ethical? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.