Module Outline
Module 2: Research Strategies
Module 2 explains how psychology researches behavior and mental processes. The scientific method is explained as the major means of research for psychology.
This module also discusses the variety of techniques psychology uses to gather information about behavior: observation, case studies, correlational studies, surveys, longitudinal, and cross sectional studies. The module explains how each technique works and the various drawbacks associated with each.
The experimental method is explained in great detail, as it is the only research method that allows a cause-effect conclusion to be reached. The module explains the parts of an experiment and what constitutes a good study.
Lastly, the module ends with a brief discussion of ethics with regards to using animals and humans in psychological research.
Why is Research Important?
  Scientific method
Observation and Bias
  Confirmation bias
  Critical thinking
  Participant bias
  Naturalistic observation
Case Studies
Correlation
  Correlational study
  Positively correlated
  Negatively correlated
Surveys
  Survey method
  Social desirability
  Population
  Random sample
Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Studies
  Longitudinal study
  Cross-sectional study
Experiment
  Experiment
  Hypothesis
  Operational definitions
  Independent variable
  Dependent variable
  Experimental group
  Control group
  Random assignment
  Confounding variables
  Blind procedure
  Double-blind procedure
  Placebo
  Data analysis
  Statistically significant
  Replication
Research Ethics
  Human research
  Animal research