Grafton High School
Taylor County


Title: Approaches to psychological methods

Grade Levels: 10-12

Subjects: 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.

Duration of Lesson: Three 50 minute days

Materials:

  1. Student Task Sheet
  2. TV
  3. Video camera
  4. other technology tools as needed

Technology Tools/Courseware:

  1. Computer
  2. Spreadsheet

Teacher Notes:

  1. Computer contact signed.

Procedures:

Days One and Two

  1. Student will be divided  into groups of four or five to compare and contrast research methods of observation.
  2. The class will brainstorm topics of interests for mock researching. These are only topics that  interest them. They will not be doing research on these topics.
  3. Once enough topics have been chosen and written on board, two will be assigned to each group.
  4. The groups will write proposals as to how they would conduct the research from the following methods; Experiment, Survey, Natural Observation, Case Study, Directed Observation. Use Student Task Sheet
  5. Two groups will be matched against each other for competition and fun! They will present their choices on the best research methods. The class will vote on the winning presentation . This competition is for fun and not to be used as the only evaluation for grade (it can be a small part).
  6. Each group is encouraged to use  tv, tape recorder, video camera and other technology tools in the mock presentation.
    • Example they video a mock research experiment showing a lab testing a drug.

Day Three

  1. Presentation to class for learning and fun
  2. Class votes

Modifications:

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

Enrichment Activities: Computer lab

Evaluation/Assessment: Rubric

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

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.

English/Language Arts: 10.4, 10.42, 11.96, 11.99

Science: 10.9, 10.14, 10.15, 10.16

National Standards:

Behavioral Studies Standards:
1. Understands that group and cultural influences contribute to human development, identity, and behavior.

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

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)

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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