Developmental psychology.pdf

Investigating Behavior 55
Research in Perspective
12. The value of theory is a point of disagreement among psychologists and
other scientists. Some consider theory indispensable for organizing research
data and giving direction to further inquiry. Others regard theory as
prompting biases and encouraging nonproductive research. A theory is
commonly evaluated according to several standards.
13. Each of the research methods has its advantages and disadvantages and
makes its own contribution to our understanding of human and animal
behavior and experience. These methods are used in complementary ways
as investigators examine complex psychological questions.
Critical Terms
Naturalistic observation
Overt observation
Covert observation
Survey method
Representative sample
Clinical approach
Idiographic research
Nomothetic research
Classical experiment
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Own controls
Matched groups
Double blind
Multifactor studies
Additive effect
Interactive effect
Fallacy of the single cause
Cross References
Psychoanalytic Interview (40). Discussions of psychoanalytic theory and the
psychoanalytic interview are found in the chapters on personality and
therapy, respectively (398, 457).
Design of Experiments (46). The correlational method is not included in this
chapter because the data collection is comparable to methods already
discussed. The chief difference concerns data treatment, or statistical
analysis, and this technique is described in that context (524).
Suggested Readings
Cozby, P. С (1981). Methods in behavioral research (2nd ed.). Palo Alto,
CA: Mayfield. An introduction to concepts and practices.
Fernald, D. (1984). The Hans legacy. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum Associates. A
narrative approach to experimental and clinical methods based on the cases
of Clever Hans and Little Hans.
Mook, D. G. (1982). Psychological research: Strategy and tactics. New
York: Harper & Row. Includes a case-study approach.
Reed, J. G., & Baxter, P. M. (1983). Library use: A handbook for
psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Designed to assist the student in defining a research topic.
Webb, E. J., Campbell, D. Т., Schwartz, R. D., Sechrest, L., & Grove, J. B.
(1981). Nonreactive measures in the social sciences (2nd ed.). Boston:
Houghton Mifflin. With a focus upon ethical concerns.