Grafton High School
Taylor County


Title: Psychological Methods

Grade Level(S): 10 -12

Subject (S) Psychology, English/Language Arts, Science

Learner Outcomes:

  1. List and explain the steps scientists follow in conducting scientific research.
  2. Explain the survey method and the importance of proper sampling.
  3. Compare and contrast various methods of observation.
  4. Describe the purpose and elements of an experiment.
  5. Evaluate the ethical issues involved in psychological research.

Duration of Lesson: Four 50 minute classes

Materials:

  1. Notes (Steps of Scientific Research)
  2. Notes (Psychological Methods)
  3. Sunday comic strips
  4. Computer
  5. Worksheets
  6. Inspiration CD ROM
  7. Microsoft Word
  8. Excel
  9. Quiz
  10. Answer keys

Technology Tools/Courseware:

  1. Computer
  2. Spreadsheet
  3. Microsoft Word
  4. Inspiration
  5. Excel

Teacher Notes:
    1. Computer contact signed.

Procedures:

Day One

  1. Ask the students to brainstorm aspects in their daily life in which they must follow an established set of procedures. ( examples; following recipes while cooking, playing sports,)
    1. Ask students to list step by step how to fix a flat tire. they must not leave out any steps.
      1. Write the method on the board as one student gives their first step then the next step from another student then the next step from another student until done. Students will have varying steps and some will have skipped steps.
      2. Relate the danger in skipping step while fixing a flat tire to the danger of not having a set of rule in a game or not having a set of procedures when conducting research.
    2. Discuss how following established procedures when conducting research is important.
  2. Give notes Steps of Scientific Research
  3. Conduct an experiment and label the steps of the experiment.
    1. Divide the class into groups give each group the Sunday comic strip.
    2. Students cut out ten strips that the teacher list. They are to rank them in order from funniest to least funny. Present them with the Question; Will all the groups rank the strips in the same order. Complete the others steps with statement and explain what they did. Do step one together.
      1. Form the Question. Will all the groups rank the strips in the same order? Question was assigned by teacher.
      2. Form a Hypothesis
      3. Test the Hypothesis
      4. Analyze Results of Test
      5. Draw a Conclusion
    3. Have class plot the number (Use Spread sheet on computer Excel ) one pick of each group on a bell shape curve. Did 68% of the groups pick the same strip as the funniest? If not relate why, not enough data, only one method of study, not the correct method of study. If yes relate how it reinforces Bell shape curve, but ask is this the best way to study this question. Use this as an  introduction to next lesson Methods of Observation.

Day 2

  1. Give and discuss notes Psychological Methods
  2. Students divide into group of three to four people go to computer lab an make a check list of advantages and disadvantages of each of the Methods of Observation.
    1. Teacher observes the make up of each group. (List names of members in the group on paper for next class natural selection by students)
    2. Teacher observes action of group ( write down observations for next class.)

Day 3

  1. Describe the make up of each group and their action from teacher natural observation of groups during computer work.
  2. List the advantages and disadvantages on board coupled by all the groups together.
  3. Give students list of URL sites of Psychology Methods ( Example of URL site---type in MSN.com)

Day 4 and Day 5

  1. Assign PowerPoint presentation ( as many slides as needed) presentation should have definition, advantages and disadvantages, topic which are best observed with this method.
  2.  Use Inspiration CD ROM  program to individualize their notes for review..
  3.  Use Microsoft Word.  Assign Key Terms. Students put definitions on their personal disk for review.
  4.  Assign Worksheet
  5. Quiz

Modifications:

  1. Modifications will be made based on those listed in students IEP.
  2. Oral as well as written presentation.

Enrichment Activities: Computer lab and PowerPoint

Evaluation/Assessment:

Rubric
Class work
Worksheets
Quiz

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

English/Language Arts: 10.4, 10.42, 11.96, 11.99
Science: 10.8, 10.9, 10.10

Taylor County BOE Instructional Goals and Objectives in Psychology:

P.3 Study the steps scientists follow in conducting scientific research.
P.4 Compare and contrast various methods of observation and gathering information.
P.5 Describe and use elements of an experiment.
P.6 Evaluate ethical issues involved in psychological research.
P.21 Use appropriate software and variety of audio visual and multimedia materials.

National Standards:

Behavioral Studies Standards:
1. Understands that group and cultural influences contribute to human development, identity, and behavior.
 
Science:
1. Understands the use of hypothesis in science( e.g., selecting and narrowing the focus of data, determining additional data to be gathered; guiding the interpretation of data )
2. Designs and conducts scientific investigations ( e.g., formulates testable hypotheses; identifies and clarifies the method, control, and variables; organizes, displays, and analyzes data; revises methods and explanations; presents results; receives critical response from others)

Language Arts Standards:
1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
2. Gathers and uses information for research purposes.

References:
Psychology Principles in Practice  Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, Spencer A. Rathus, 1998
Psychology Its Principles and Applications, Harcourt Brace, and Jovanovich, T.L. Engle and Louis Snellgrove 1989

Authors: Alan De Piano, Judy Poe and Tom Spadafore
 


   
Overview Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5

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