Lesson 2 Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology

LESSON 2: RESEARCH METHODS IN COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Cognitive psychology employs various research methods - Methods include:     Laboratory experiments Neuroscientific research Self-reports Case studies    Naturalistic observation Computer simulations and AI Choice of method depends on research goals Research Goals in Cognitive Psychology - Data gathering: Collecting information about cognitive phenomena Data analysis: Drawing inferences from collected data Theory development: Creating explanatory frameworks Hypothesis formulation: Generating testable predictions Hypothesis testing: Evaluating predictions through research Application: Translating findings to real-world settings The Scientific Process in Cognitive Psychology 1. Develop a theory based on observations 2. Generate hypotheses from the theory 3. Test hypotheses through experimentation 4. 5. 6. 7. Analyze results statistically Retain or reject hypotheses Revise theory if necessary Apply findings to real-life situations when possible Controlled Experiments: Key Concepts - Independent variables: Manipulated by the experimenter Dependent variables: Measured outcomes Control variables: Held constant to prevent interference Confounding variables: Uncontrolled factors that may affect results Random sampling: Selecting participants representative of the population Random assignment: Allocating participants to conditions Common Dependent Variables in Cognitive Research - Percent correct (accuracy) Error rate Reaction time (speed of processing) These measures help researchers understand:  Accuracy of mental processing  Speed of mental processing The Subtraction Method - Used to estimate time for specific cognitive processes - Process: 1. Measure reaction time with the process of interest 2. Measure reaction time without the process 3. Subtract the latter from the former  Example: Estimating time to process a single word in a list Correlational Studies - Used when variables cannot be manipulated experimentally. Measures relationship between two or more variables. Expressed through Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) Ranges from -1.00 to +1.00 Sign indicates direction of relationship. Magnitude indicates strength of relationship. Cannot establish causality Neuroscientific Research Methods 1. 2. 3. - Postmortem studies: Examining brains after death In vivo imaging: Studying brain structure/activity in living individuals Animal studies: Investigating neural activity in animal models Provides insights into brain-behavior relationships Helps understand normal cognitive functions through abnormal cases Allows for procedures not ethical in human participants Self-Reports in Cognitive Research - Participant's own account of cognitive processes - Types:  Retrospective accounts  Questionnaires and surveys  Verbal protocols (think-aloud method) Limitations: -    Potential for inaccurate reporting May alter cognitive processes being studied Some processes occur outside conscious awareness Case Studies and Naturalistic Observation - Case studies: In-depth investigations of individuals Naturalistic observation: Studying cognition in everyday contexts - Advantages:  High ecological validity  Useful for rare conditions or events Generate hypotheses and rich descriptions Limitations:  Limited generalizability  Lack of experimental control  - Computer Simulations and Artificial Intelligence - Computer simulations: Programs imitating human cognitive functions Artificial Intelligence (AI): Systems designed to perform cognitive tasks Applications:  Modeling specific cognitive processes  Creating comprehensive cognitive architectures  Developing programs that mimic or surpass human performance  Example: Chess-playing programs (brute force vs. human simulation) Cognitive Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach - Combines methods and ideas from:    Cognitive psychology Cognitive neuroscience Artificial Intelligence    Philosophy Linguistics Anthropology - Focus: How humans acquire and use knowledge Benefits from collaborations with various fields of psychology and related disciplines 1. - Fundamental Idea 1: Empirical Data and Theories Both are crucial in cognitive psychology Theories give meaning to data Data validate or refute theories Iterative process:  Theory → Data collection → Theory refinement → Further data collection 2. - Fundamental Idea 2: Adaptive Nature of Cognition Cognition is generally adaptive Allows accurate perception, learning, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving However, cognitive processes can lead to systematic errors Example: Overvaluing easily available information, even when less relevant 3. Fundamental Idea 3: Interaction of Cognitive Processes - Cognitive processes interact with each other - Example: Memory depends on perception  Cognitive processes interact with non-cognitive processes - Example: Motivation affects learning  Importance of studying processes in isolation and in interaction  Growing focus on cognitive-biological interactions (e.g., brain imaging studies) 4. - 5. - Fundamental Idea 4: Diverse Scientific Methods No single "right" way to study cognition Multiple methods increase confidence in findings Examples of methods:  Reaction time studies  Error rate analysis  Individual difference patterns All methods must be scientific (allow for disconfirmation of hypotheses) Fundamental Idea 5: Basic and Applied Research All basic research may lead to applications All applied research may lead to basic understandings Distinction between basic and applied research often blurred Example:  Basic finding: Spaced learning is superior to cramming  Immediate application: Improved study strategies  Applied research (e.g., eyewitness testimony) can enhance basic understanding of cognitive processes Conclusion: The Goals of Cognitive Psychology - Understand how people think in laboratories and everyday life Identify underlying common ideas and organizing themes Perceive meaningful patterns within cognitive psychology Encourage deeper contemplation of cognitive problems Bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application