introduction to scientific processes

Hypotheses: One-Tailed/ Directional and Two-Tailed/Non-Directional, Null-Hypothesis, Experimental Hypothesis, alternative hypothesis.

Sampling: the difference between population and sample; sampling techniques including random, systematic, stratified, opportunity and volunteer; implications of sampling techniques, including bias and generalisation

Pilot studies and the aims of piloting

SPECIFICATION: Variables: manipulation, control, including IVs, extraneous DVs, confounding, operationalization, random allocation, counterbalancing, randomisation, and standardisation.Demand characteristics and investigator effects.

Ethics, including the role of the British Psychological Society’s code of ethics; ethical issues in the design and conduct of psychological studies; dealing with ethical issues in research

The role of peer review in the scientific process

The implications of psychological research for the economy are concerned with how the knowledge and understanding gained from psychological research

Reliability across all methods of investigation. Ways of assessing reliability. Validity across all methods of investigation: Assessment of validity Improving validity.

The journey from magic to religion to philosophy to science

The key features of science: empirical evidence, systematic theory construction, deductive and inductive reasoning, falsification, paradigm shifts, objectivity, cause and effect, nomothetic approach.

The Research Report: abstract, introduction, hypothesis, method, results, discussion, results, references, appendices

How to write the stuff that goes in the appendices: Adverts, consent forms, standardised instructions, debriefing