Differentiate between the common use of the word research and the use of the wor

/in /by

  • Identify the major steps in the research process using a classic
    study in Psychology as an example.

Part
I:  Defining Research

The word research
is used in many different ways.  Consider
the following examples:

  • Your
    friend tells you that he intends to research different hair products before
    deciding on one to buy.

  • A
    real estate agent advises you to research home values in your neighborhood
    before putting your house on the market.

  • A
    police officer reports that she is doing ‘some research’ on possible motives
    for a crime that was committed.

  • A
    writer states that he does ‘extensive research’ before beginning his fictional
    works.

Answer the questions below:

  1. How is
    research defined in the social and behavioral sciences? 

  2. What
    makes scientific research different from the examples provided above?  In your response, be sure to address the
    characteristics of ‘good’ psychological research.

    Part II: Understanding the research process

    Researchers
    in Psychology follow a systematic process of investigation. Carefully read
    Chapter 2 of your textbook, paying special attention to the section on
    Experimental Research.  Then go to
    Chapter 7 in your textbook and read the following section: Research In-Depth:
    Counterfactuals and “If Only…” Thinking. 
    Answer the questions below, using Medvec & colleagues’ first study as an example:

  1. What
    hypothesis did Medvec & colleagues set out to test in their first study of
    the ‘near miss’ phenomenon?  Describe the
    theory associated with this hypothesis.

  2. Identify
    the variables in the study and describe how they were measured.  How did the researchers operationalize (test
    or measure) affective response upon winning a bronze or silver medal?

  3. Who
    were the participants in the study and what did they do?

  4. Describe
    the data that were collected and analyzed.

  5. Describe
    the results of the study.  What did the
    researchers conclude?

  6. If
    you were to design a follow-up experiment on this subject, what might it be?