CDN Ed Psychology Themes and Variations 3rd Edition Weiten Solutions Manual
CDN Ed Psychology Themes and Variations 3rd Edition Weiten Solutions Manual
CDN Ed Psychology Themes and Variations 3rd Edition Weiten Solutions Manual
Chapter Two:
The Research Enterprise in
Psychology
Chapter Outline
We must develop an understanding of all aspects of research to be able to critically
evaluate the theories related to human behaviour. This is an important skill to develop
and will provide a deeper understanding of the evolution of psychological theories and
of human behaviour. Also, this is an important life skill that can be applied when
consuming information from other sources.
Understanding the strength and weaknesses of experimental and
descriptive/correlational research will allow us to evaluate research from outside our
“normal” research focus which may provide insight and lead to new developments in
our theories.
Understanding ethical issues related to human and animal research will ensure that no
undue harm is caused.
Students should be motivated to think critically about the psychological theories that
are being presented to them. They should learn to second guess new information
regardless of the source of this information.
Students who are interested in becoming researchers will need to have an
understanding of research design and evaluation. Also, students who are not interested
in research and would like to become clinical psychologists or counsellors should have
an understanding of how research leads to the methods used to treat patients.
Students should have an understanding of cause and effect relationships and how this is
different from from correlational relationships between variables.
Students who are interested in becoming clinical psychologists or counsellors often do
not see the value in developing an understanding of research design and methods.
It is sometimes difficult for students to understand the difference between a theory and
a hypothesis.
It is sometimes difficult for students to know which research method is appropriate for a
specific research question (i.e. experimentation, naturalistic observation, case studies,
or surveys).
Students will sometimes struggle with the notion of a cost/benefits analysis for animal
research and they believe that animal research should be allowed.