Science Enquiry Skills

Psychology

Biological factors

• Genetics, brain structure/function, neurotransmitters, hormones.

• Can cause behaviour (e.g., depression linked to serotonin imbalance).

• Can influence solutions (e.g., medication for chemical imbalances).

Psychological factors

• Thoughts, emotions, personality, learning experiences.

• Can cause behaviour (e.g., phobia developed through classical conditioning).

• Can influence solutions (e.g., CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) addresses thought patterns).

Sociocultural factors

• Family, culture, peer groups, societal expectations.

• Can cause behaviour (e.g., conformity, social anxiety).

• Can influence solutions (e.g., community support, culturally sensitive therapy).

Experimental investigations

• Definition: Manipulates IV to measure effect on DV.

• Example: Sleep deprivation (IV) → memory performance (DV).

• Pros: High control → can determine cause-effect.

• Cons: Artificial, may lack ecological validity.

Observational investigations

• Definition: Observe behaviour without interference; naturalistic or self-report.

• Example: Observing classroom interactions.

• Pros: Natural behaviour; ethical for some research.

• Cons: Harder to control variables; possible observer bias.

Qualitative investigations

• Definition: Collect non-numerical data (opinions, experiences).

• Example: Focus groups, Delphi technique (expert consensus).

• Pros: Deep understanding, rich detail.

• Cons: Subjective, harder to generalise, time-consuming.

Collaborative investigations

• Teamwork is essential.

• Negotiate roles: leader, data collector, recorder, analyst.

Designing investigations

A. Problem deconstruction: Break down research question → determine best method.

B. Key components

1. Hypothesis / Inquiry Question

   • Testable, clear, concise.

   • E.g., “Sleep deprivation reduces short-term memory in adolescents.”

2. Variables

   • Independent (IV): manipulated (e.g., hours of sleep).

   • Dependent (DV): measured (e.g., memory test score).

   • Constant: kept the same (e.g., age, environment).

   • Extraneous: may interfere (e.g., caffeine intake) → control or acknowledge.

3. Method

   • Step-by-step procedure.

   • Justify why it’s appropriate (ethical, reliable, feasible).

4. Data

   • Type: quantitative (numbers), qualitative (opinions).

   • Amount: sufficient for statistical validity.

5. Ethical considerations

   • Voluntary consent, dignity, privacy, withdrawal rights, minimize harm.

6. Sociocultural considerations

   • Cultural sensitivity, accessibility, avoid bias.

7. Sources

   • Use multiple credible sources; cite appropriately.

Types of data

• Objective vs Subjective: numbers vs personal reports.

• Quantitative vs Qualitative: measurable vs descriptive.

Presentation & analysis

Presentation

• Tables with labels and units.

• Graphs with clear axes, legends, and title.

Analysis

• Look for trends, patterns, correlations.

• Use descriptive statistics: mean, median, standard deviation.

Critical evaluation

• Identify uncertainty: extraneous variables, confounding variables.

• Evaluate reliability (consistency) and validity (accuracy).

• Consider sample size: larger → more reliable; representativeness → generalisability.

Drawing conclusions

• Use evidence to justify support or reject hypothesis.

• Explain limitations: small sample, measurement error, cultural bias.

• Understand that some results cannot lead to definitive conclusions.

Ethical practice

• Respect dignity, wellbeing, and privacy.

• Informed consent (participants or guardians).

• Protect personal data; only use for intended research.

• Right to withdraw without penalty.

• Communicate results to participants.

• Maintain cultural, emotional, and physical safety in teamwork.

Effective scientific communication

• Use clear, concise, credible language.

• Correct psychology terminology.

• Follow conventions: tables, graphs, references.

• Be culturally aware in examples and phrasing.

Tips

• Always link biological, psychological, sociocultural factors to cause and solution.

• For investigations, always justify methods and explain why one type is better than another.

• In evaluation, focus on uncertainty, reliability, validity, sample considerations.

• Ethics must always be explicitly addressed, not assumed.

• Communication: tables, graphs, and concise reporting = merit-level standard.