Chapter 1: Intro to Social Psychology

Part 3: Wed. Jan 23, 2013

• Random assignment (RA)– into groups– eliminate other possible explanations for results

How is it different from random sampling (RS)…?

• Experimental Methods: how are these used?– About 3/4ths of Social Psych research.

• Less often, social psych uses correlational studies– What is examined?

• 2 distinguishing factors of true experiments: (Table 1.1)– 1. Control & manipulation of variables

– 2. Random assignment to groups –• What is its benefit?

• Example of a social psych experiment –

• In experiments, use IVs and DVs – Independent variables (IV): what is manipulated– Example?

– Dependent variables (DV): observed to determine impact of IV

– Example?

• External validity – questions related to whether results will generalize

– Depends on:• Mundane realism & Experimental realism

– (read about these on p. 27 in text)

Ethics & Deception

– IRB protects participants• How?

– Types of deception:• 1) False Purpose• 2) False Feedback• 3) Use of a confederate/actor

• Benefits of deception?• Ethical concerns?