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| When psychologists conduct research, they work with empirical evidence. Psychologists use operational definitions to describe their empirical evidence. The scientific method involves using careful observation, developing theories, forming hypotheses, and testing these hypotheses. Research psychologists must ensure their samples are representative and the results of their studies are replicated. Psychologists use three major scientific methods: (1) descriptive methods, which help to describe behavior and which include the use of surveys, naturalistic observation, and clinical methods; (2) correlational studies, which help to predict behavior by studying the relationship between variables; and (3) formal experiments, which study the cause-and-effect relationships between variables and help psychologists to understand and influence behavior. Formal experiments usually involve an experimental group, which receives the independent variable, and a control group. Differences in the dependent variable between the groups are believed caused by the independent variable. Important considerations in conducting formal research include placebo control, blind experiments, and manipulation checks. Psychologists adhere to ethical principles of research, which protects the rights of human participants by avoiding coercion, uninformed participation, and unnecessary deception, by offering participants the results of the studies in which they participate, and by ensuring confidentiality. In conducting research with animals, psychologists are guided by the principles of necessity, health, and humane treatment. |