Research Methods of Psychology
Defination of Psychology: The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Goals:
1. To describe behavior and mental processes 2. To predict behavior and mental processes 3. To allow psychologists and their clients to control or change behavior and mental processes
4. To explain (establish cause and effect relationships concerning) behavior and mental processes.
The first three goals (description, prediction, and control) are the easiest to achieve; there are many research methods available that can help psychologists to achieve those goals. The last goal, establishing cause and effect relationships, can only be achieved by research using the experimental method.
Research of Pychology: * Basic research—explores theories, general scientific understanding (meets first three goals of psychology—describe, explain, and predict) * Applied research—addresses real-world problems (meets fourth goal—change)
Research methods: Naturalistic Observation, Case Studies ,Surveys, Correlational Research, Experimental Research. Goals of Psychology | Research Methods | To Describe | Case Studies, Naturalistic Observation, Survey Research | To Predict | Correlational Research | To Explain | Experimental Research | To Control | Often involves many steps in process |
TO CONTROL/CHANGE BEHAVIOR: Often involves many steps in process:
>Make observations, develop theory, describe phenomenon.
> Attempt to find variables that are related(correlations)
> Use that information to develop experiment.
> From your findings, conclude what may be useful in changing/controlling behavior – application.
Naturalistic Observation: Observing and recording the behavior of humans or animals in their natural environment.
Advantages:
1. Gives the researcher the opportunity to view the variable of interest in a natural setting. 2. No artificiality of the laboratory 3. May be the only
Goals:
1. To describe behavior and mental processes 2. To predict behavior and mental processes 3. To allow psychologists and their clients to control or change behavior and mental processes
4. To explain (establish cause and effect relationships concerning) behavior and mental processes.
The first three goals (description, prediction, and control) are the easiest to achieve; there are many research methods available that can help psychologists to achieve those goals. The last goal, establishing cause and effect relationships, can only be achieved by research using the experimental method.
Research of Pychology: * Basic research—explores theories, general scientific understanding (meets first three goals of psychology—describe, explain, and predict) * Applied research—addresses real-world problems (meets fourth goal—change)
Research methods: Naturalistic Observation, Case Studies ,Surveys, Correlational Research, Experimental Research. Goals of Psychology | Research Methods | To Describe | Case Studies, Naturalistic Observation, Survey Research | To Predict | Correlational Research | To Explain | Experimental Research | To Control | Often involves many steps in process |
TO CONTROL/CHANGE BEHAVIOR: Often involves many steps in process:
>Make observations, develop theory, describe phenomenon.
> Attempt to find variables that are related(correlations)
> Use that information to develop experiment.
> From your findings, conclude what may be useful in changing/controlling behavior – application.
Naturalistic Observation: Observing and recording the behavior of humans or animals in their natural environment.
Advantages:
1. Gives the researcher the opportunity to view the variable of interest in a natural setting. 2. No artificiality of the laboratory 3. May be the only