In this video, I explain two well-known examples of observer bias: the case of Clever Hans, and Rosenthal and Fode’s experiment with “bright” and “dull” rats. Observer bias (or experimenter expectancy effect) is considered, along with an explanation for how … Read More
The Scientific Mindset: Skepticism and Humility
In this video I discuss the role of skepticism and humility in thinking about scientific research and evaluating claims. I also mention the supposed “crisis of confidence” in psychology, the problem with pseudosciences, and the role that data plays in … Read More
Difficulties of Psychological Research
In this video I discuss three difficulties of conducting psychology research: complexity, variability, and reactivity. I also explain demand characteristics, social desirability, and the Hawthorne Effect. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or … Read More
Types of Test Designs
In designing an intelligence assessment, I may want to know the level of difficulty that someone is capable of solving. In this case, I would probably look at whether a person is able to solve a particularly difficult puzzle or … Read More
How Do Psychologists Define Variables?
With any psychological question, what we are really trying to establish is better understanding of a property. We want to know about properties like happiness, depression, aggression, intelligence, etc. The problem with wanting to know about psychological properties is … Read More
Research Methods – Resources
On this page you’ll find a number of resources for understanding the research methods used in psychology as well as some statistical methods for understanding and interpreting the data collected. General Resources Research Methods Key Terms List Research Methods Pinterest … Read More
What is Statistical Significance?
Statistical significance is an important concept for understanding when conclusions can (or can not) be drawn from psychological research. Significance can be calculated in a number of different ways depending on the type of data we have collected, and calculations … Read More
Key Terms for Research Methods
Download a free pdf of this key terms list here: Research-Methods-Key-Terms Find explanations and examples of all of these key terms and more here: Master Introductory Psychology: Complete Edition demand characteristics social desirability Hawthorne Effect … Read More
Psych File Drawer
If you’ve ever wondered just how well some famous effects have replicated, I encourage you to check out http://www.psychfiledrawer.org/. This site lists a number of influential studies (such as Bargh, Chen, and Burrows’ priming study on age-related stereotype activation) with … Read More
Publication Bias in Medicine
Ben Goldacre’s impassioned plea for greater transparency in medical research publishing. When only “successful” results are able to get published, we can be misled about how effective or how safe treatments are.