Ch 2. research methods ( lec 1 -2 )

Psychology

The scientific study of how individuals feel, think, and behave, encompassing mental and behavioral processes.

Scope of Psychology

Encompasses various aspects of human life such as social media, military, justice system, relationships, families, medicine, and business, involving psychological processes.

Stress and Healing

Stress significantly impacts the healing process, as evidenced by slower healing during stressful times compared to relaxed periods.

Empiricism

Relies on systematic observation, senses, and experiences to understand the natural world.

Rationalism

Advocates for using pure reason, logic, and critical thinking to discover truths beyond sensory limitations.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach involving steps like identifying, gathering information, hypothesis development, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion drawing.

Hypothesis Testing

Involves making predictions about the relationship between variables, which must be falsifiable and subject to replication.

Descriptive Research

Aims to observe and describe phenomena, including methods like case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observations.

Correlational Research

Focuses on identifying relationships between variables, determining the direction and strength of correlations using the correlation coefficient.

Experimental Research

The only research type allowing for cause-and-effect conclusions, involving manipulation of independent variables and control of confounding variables.