Chapter Outline

Chapter 2 examines the ways in which psychologists reach conclusions about the unknown. First the scientific method that is used to pose and answer questions of psychological interest is examined. This is followed by a description of the ways in which psychologists develop suppositions and test theories. Consideration is then given to the specific means that researchers use in doing research. These include archival research, naturalistic observation, survey research, case studies, correlational research and experimental research. Next, the major techniques used in carrying out research are discussed and the benefits and limitations of each type of research are listed.

Also in this chapter the ethics of doing psychological research, both on humans and animals subjects is examined and a discussion on when it is and when it is not appropriate to design experiments using human subjects and/or animals is presented. Finally, since none of us can turn on the television, listen to the radio, or pick up a newspaper or magazine without being bombarded with ideas about how to gain happiness and bliss, improve our lives, our work, and our futures, questions are posed that help the consumer to sort out what is valid and what is not in psychological research and the ways that we can become knowledgeable and critical consumers of research findings.

To further investigate the topics covered in this chapter, you can visit the related websites by visiting the following link:
http://www.mhhe.com/feldmanup6-02links.

Prologue: Why Was No Help Offered?

• Looking Ahead

Section 1: The Scientific Method

• Theories: Specifying Broad Explanations
• Hypotheses: Crafting Testable Predictions

Section 2: Psychological Research

• Archival Research
• Naturalistic Observation
• Survey Research

• The Case Study
• Correlational Research
• Experimental Research

Section 3: Research Challenges: Exploring the Process

• The Ethics of Research

• Should Animals Be Used in Research?
• Threats to Experiments: Experimenter and Participant Expectations