Science Inquiry Skills, Psychology

Biological Factors Influencing Psychological Phenomena

• Genetics: Inherited traits can predispose individuals to certain psychological conditions.

• Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in brain chemicals can influence mood and behavior.

• Brain Structure and Function: Abnormalities can affect cognitive and emotional processes.

Psychological Factors Influencing Psychological Phenomena

• Cognitive Patterns: Negative thought processes can contribute to mental health issues.

• Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing emotions can lead to psychological distress.

• Past Experiences: Traumatic events can shape current psychological states.

Social Factors Influencing Psychological Phenomena

• Family Dynamics: Supportive or dysfunctional family relationships impact mental health.

• Cultural Influences: Cultural norms and values can affect the expression of psychological phenomena.

• Socioeconomic Status: Financial stability can influence access to resources and stress levels.

Biological Solutions to Psychological Phenomena

• Medication: Pharmacological treatments can address chemical imbalances.

• Neurological Interventions: Surgical or electrical treatments for brain-related issues.

Psychological Solutions to Psychological Phenomena

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other modalities address thought patterns.

• Behavior Modification: Techniques to alter maladaptive behaviors

Sociocultural Solutions to Psychological Phenomena

• Community Support: Social networks provide emotional and practical assistance.

• Culturally Tailored Interventions: Treatments adapted to cultural contexts enhance effectiveness.

Experimental Investigation

• Definition: Involves manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

• Characteristics: Utilizes control and experimental groups.

Observational Investigation

• Definition: Involves monitoring subjects in natural or controlled settings without intervention.

• Characteristics: Aims to describe behaviors as they occur naturally.

Qualitative Investigation

• Definition: Focuses on understanding phenomena through non-numerical data.

• Methods: Employs techniques like interviews and thematic analysis.

Advantages of Experimental Investigation

• Determines Causality: Can establish cause-and-effect relationships.

• Control: High control over variables.

Disadvantages of Experimental Investigation

• Artificial Settings: May not reflect real-world scenarios.

• Ethical Concerns: Issues with manipulating variables.

Advantages of Observational Investigation

• Natural Behavior: Captures behaviors as they occur naturally.

• Practicality: Useful when experiments are impractical or unethical.

Disadvantages of Observational Investigation

• No Causality: Cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships.

• Observer Bias: Researcher's presence may influence findings

Advantages of Qualitative Investigation

• In-depth Understanding: Provides deep, contextual insights.

• Flexibility: Adaptive to emerging data and insights.

Disadvantages of Qualitative Investigation

• Generalizability: Findings may not be applicable to broader populations.

• Subjectivity: Data analysis can be influenced by researcher bias.