Key Points
     • What is empirical research?
     • What is the scientific method?
     • How do psychologists conduct research?
     • What are some important ethical 
       considerations in conducting psychological 
       research?
                             
              The Scientific Method
      • Step by step process for guiding research 
      • Provides an objective, systematic framework 
        for research 
      • Cyclical
                               
        Steps of the Scientific Method
      1. Review the literature
      2. Formulate a testable hypothesis
      3. Design the study and collect the data
      4. Analyze the data and accept or reject the 
         hypothesis
      5. Publish, replicate and seek scientific review
      6. Theory building
                               
        Step 1:Reviewing the literature
      • What research has been done in this area?
      • What are the current theories?
      • Consult scientific journals only.
      • What can my research add to the current 
        knowledge?
                               
          Step 2: Formulate a testable 
                       hypothesis
      • Develop a specific prediction related to the 
        area of interest
      • Must be “testable”