Week 1: Basics of Investigating in Psychology

introduction to conventions of research

What are the 4 goals of psychological research?

describe what’s happening

understand it

predict it

control it

What do we need in order to fulfill any of the aims of psychological research?

research questions

What should research questions aim to do?

build on existing knowledge

Give 3 features of quantitative research.

objective

uses numerical data

demonstrates cause and effect

aims to observe and measure a relationship

involves manipulation and control of variables

Give 3 features of qualitative research.

researches the real world and lived experience

participant focussed

uses non numerical data

requires lots of social context

subjective

Describe the research process.

identify problem/phenomenon/question

decide how to investigate

seek ethical approval

collect data

analyse data

draw conclusions

evaluate process

disseminate

Describe the scientific method.

hypothesis

method to collect data

analyse data

is there evidence to demonstrate the hypothesis?W

Which type of investigation will use the scientific method?

quantitative

What questions can be asked regarding the scientific method?

Does increased research extend academic discipline?

Can research which uses it be applied to the real world?