Methods in Behavioral Research,Cozby,11e

■ Explain the reasons for understanding research methods. ■ Describe the scientifi c approach to learning about behavior and contrast it with pseudoscientifi c research. ■ Defi ne and give examples of the four goals of scientifi c research: description, prediction, determination of cause, and explanation of behavior. ■ Discuss the three elements for inferring causation: temporal order, covariation of cause and effect, and elimination of alternative explanations. ■ Defi ne and describe basic and applied research. 2 What are the causes of aggression and violence? How do we remember things, what causes us to forget, and how can memory be improved? What are the effects of stressful environments on health? How do early childhood experiences affect later development? What are the best ways to treat depression? How can we reduce prejudice and intergroup confl ict? Curiosity about questions such as these is probably the most important reason that many students decide to take courses in the behavioral sciences. Scientifi c research provides us with the best means of addressing such questions and providing answers. In this book, we will examine the methods of scientifi c research in the behavioral sciences. In this introductory chapter, we will focus on ways in which knowledge of research methods can be useful in understanding the world around us. Further, we will review the characteristics of a scientifi c approach to the study of behavior and the general types of research questions that concern behavioral scientists. USES OF RESEARCH METHODS Informed citizens in our society increasingly need knowledge of research methods. Daily newspapers, general-interest magazines, and other media continually report research results: “Happiness Wards Off Heart Disease,” “Recession Causes Increase in Teen Dating Violence,” “Breast-Fed Children Found Smarter,” “Facebook Users Get Worse Grades in College.” Articles and books make claims about the benefi cial or harmful effects of particular diets or vitamins on one’s sex life, personality, or health. Survey results are frequently reported that draw conclusions about our beliefs concerning a variety of topics. The key question is, how do you evaluate such reports? Do you simply accept the fi ndings because they are supposed to be scientifi c? A background in research methods will help you to read these reports critically, evaluate the methods employed, and decide whether the conclusions are reasonable. Many occupations require the use of research fi ndings. For example, mental health professionals must make decisions about treatment methods, assignment of clients to different types of facilities, medications, and testing procedures. Such decisions are made on the basis of research; to make good decisions, mental health professionals must be able to read the research literature in the fi eld and apply it in their professional lives. Similarly, people who work in business environments frequently rely on research to make decisions about marketing strategies, ways of improving employee productivity and morale, and methods of selecting and training new employees. Educators must keep up with research on topics such as the effectiveness of different teaching strategies or programs to deal with special student problems. Knowledge of resear