RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Psychologists use many different methods for conducting research. Each method has advantages
and disadvantages that make it suitable for certain situations and unsuitable for others.
Descriptive or Correlational Research Methods
Case studies, surveys, naturalistic observation, and laboratory observation are examples of
descriptive or correlational research methods. Using these methods, researchers can describe
different events, experiences, or behaviors and look for links between them. However, these
methods do not enable researchers to determine causes of behavior.
Remember: correlation is not the same as causation. Two factors may be related without one
causing the other to occur. Often, a third factor explains the correlation.
Example: A psychologist uses the survey method to study the relationship between balding and
length of marriage. He finds that length of marriage correlates with baldness. However, he can’t
infer from this that being bald causes people to stay married longer. Instead, a third factor
explains the correlation: both balding and long marriages are associated with old age.
Measuring Correlation
A correlation coefficient measures the strength of the relationship between two variables. A
correlation coefficient is always a number between –1 and +1. The sign (+ or –) of a correlation
coefficient indicates the nature of the relationship between the variables.
A positive correlation (+) means that as one variable increases, the other does too.
Example: The more years of education a person receives, the higher his or her yearly income is.
A negative correlation (–) means that when one variable increases, the other one decreases.
Example: The more hours a high school student works during the week, the fewer A’s he or she
gets in class.
The higher the correlation coefficient, the stronger the correlation. A +0.9 or a –0.9 indicates a
very strong correlation; a +0.1 or a –0.1 indicates a very weak correlation. A correlation of 0
means that no relationship exists between two variables.
, Common correlational research methods include case studies, surveys, naturalistic observation,
and laboratory observation.
Case Studies
In a case study, a researcher studies a subject in depth. The researcher collects data about the
subject through interviews, direct observation, psychological testing, or examination of
documents and records about the subject.
Surveys
A survey is a way of getting information about a specific type of behavior, experience, or event.
When using this method, researchers give people questionnaires or interview them to obtain
information.
When subjects fill out surveys about themselves, the data is called self-report data. Self-report
data can be misleading because subjects may do any of the following:
Lie intentionally
Give answers based on wishful thinking rather than the truth
Fail to understand the questions the survey asks
Forget parts of the experience they need to describe
Naturalistic Observation
When using naturalistic observation, researchers collect information about subjects by observing
them unobtrusively, without interfering with them in any way. Researchers create a record of
events and note relationships among those events. With naturalistic observation, researchers face
the challenge of getting a clear view of events without becoming noticeable to the subjects.
Psychologists use many different methods for conducting research. Each method has advantages
and disadvantages that make it suitable for certain situations and unsuitable for others.
Descriptive or Correlational Research Methods
Case studies, surveys, naturalistic observation, and laboratory observation are examples of
descriptive or correlational research methods. Using these methods, researchers can describe
different events, experiences, or behaviors and look for links between them. However, these
methods do not enable researchers to determine causes of behavior.
Remember: correlation is not the same as causation. Two factors may be related without one
causing the other to occur. Often, a third factor explains the correlation.
Example: A psychologist uses the survey method to study the relationship between balding and
length of marriage. He finds that length of marriage correlates with baldness. However, he can’t
infer from this that being bald causes people to stay married longer. Instead, a third factor
explains the correlation: both balding and long marriages are associated with old age.
Measuring Correlation
A correlation coefficient measures the strength of the relationship between two variables. A
correlation coefficient is always a number between –1 and +1. The sign (+ or –) of a correlation
coefficient indicates the nature of the relationship between the variables.
A positive correlation (+) means that as one variable increases, the other does too.
Example: The more years of education a person receives, the higher his or her yearly income is.
A negative correlation (–) means that when one variable increases, the other one decreases.
Example: The more hours a high school student works during the week, the fewer A’s he or she
gets in class.
The higher the correlation coefficient, the stronger the correlation. A +0.9 or a –0.9 indicates a
very strong correlation; a +0.1 or a –0.1 indicates a very weak correlation. A correlation of 0
means that no relationship exists between two variables.
, Common correlational research methods include case studies, surveys, naturalistic observation,
and laboratory observation.
Case Studies
In a case study, a researcher studies a subject in depth. The researcher collects data about the
subject through interviews, direct observation, psychological testing, or examination of
documents and records about the subject.
Surveys
A survey is a way of getting information about a specific type of behavior, experience, or event.
When using this method, researchers give people questionnaires or interview them to obtain
information.
When subjects fill out surveys about themselves, the data is called self-report data. Self-report
data can be misleading because subjects may do any of the following:
Lie intentionally
Give answers based on wishful thinking rather than the truth
Fail to understand the questions the survey asks
Forget parts of the experience they need to describe
Naturalistic Observation
When using naturalistic observation, researchers collect information about subjects by observing
them unobtrusively, without interfering with them in any way. Researchers create a record of
events and note relationships among those events. With naturalistic observation, researchers face
the challenge of getting a clear view of events without becoming noticeable to the subjects.
