Science in Psychology

Research Methods and Techniques

Experiments: Investigating relationships between variables, involving manipulation of one variable (independent variable) to observe the effect on another (dependent variable).
Observations: Naturalistic and controlled. Involving watching and recording behaviour in a particular setting.
Correlations: Measure of the relationship between two variables. Does not confirm causation, only correlation.
Surveys and Questionnaires: Large amounts of data gathered through structured sets of questions.
Interviews: Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. Face-to-face conversation with a planned agenda.
Case Studies: Detailed investigation of a single instance or event. Can provide rich qualitative data and insights.

Operationalize Variables: Clearly define what is being measured.
Sampling Methods: Identify your population and choose an appropriate sample.
Ethical Considerations: Ensure the research maintains the rights and well-being of participants.
Data Collection Methods: Choosing the right tools for gathering most relevant data.
Conduct Pilot Study: Assess feasibility of full-scale research, improving the study’s design.

Qualitative and Quantitative: Qualitative involves in-depth, detailed data. Quantitative involves numerical data.
Descriptive Statistics: Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and measures of dispersion (range, standard deviation).
Inferential Statistics: Statistical tests to determine the probability of the obtained results.
Data Presentation: Clear and effective presentation using tables, graphs, etc.

Abstract: Summarize the report in a succinct paragraph.
Introduction: Outlining the background and objectives of the study.
Method: Description of how the research was conducted.
Results: Detailed report of the findings from the data.
Discussion: Interpret the findings, relate results to original aim, explore implications.
References: Cite all sources used, following appropriate style guidelines.

Psychology as a Science: Use of scientific method in psychological research.
Faithful Representation: Research is an accurate portrayal of the phenomena it represents.
Objective and Systematic: Research methods should be objective and carried out systematically.
Reproducibility: The research should be replicable, with consistent results.
Falsifiability: Theories must be disprovable, they remain accepted until disproven.
Paradigm: A theoretical framework within which theories are developed and tested.