Chapter 10: Research method
and research studies
The scientific method
The approach used by psychologists to systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behaviour
and other phenomena of interest
1- Identify questions of interest stemming from
• Behaviour and phenomenon requiring explanation
• Prior research findings
• Curiosity, creativity, insight
2- Formulate an explannation
• Specific theory
• Develop a hypothesis
3- Carry out research
• Operationalise hypothesis
• Select a research method
• Collect the data
• Analyse the data
4- Communicate the findings
Descriptive methods: Methods of Observing Behaviour
Self-report
Participants are asked to complete a questionnaire in which they rate their perceived stress levels over the
past month on a scale from 1 to 10
Psychological
A psychologist conducts a series of standardised psychological tests to assess an individual's personality
traits, emotional functioning, and mental health
Behavioural
In a study on classroom behaviour, researchers use a behavioural coding system to record specific
behaviours, such as student engagement, participation, and disruptions, during a series of lessons
and research studies
The scientific method
The approach used by psychologists to systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behaviour
and other phenomena of interest
1- Identify questions of interest stemming from
• Behaviour and phenomenon requiring explanation
• Prior research findings
• Curiosity, creativity, insight
2- Formulate an explannation
• Specific theory
• Develop a hypothesis
3- Carry out research
• Operationalise hypothesis
• Select a research method
• Collect the data
• Analyse the data
4- Communicate the findings
Descriptive methods: Methods of Observing Behaviour
Self-report
Participants are asked to complete a questionnaire in which they rate their perceived stress levels over the
past month on a scale from 1 to 10
Psychological
A psychologist conducts a series of standardised psychological tests to assess an individual's personality
traits, emotional functioning, and mental health
Behavioural
In a study on classroom behaviour, researchers use a behavioural coding system to record specific
behaviours, such as student engagement, participation, and disruptions, during a series of lessons
