RESEARCH METHODS NOTES
RESEARCH METHODS: “It’s not about what you study, but how you study it.”
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD: The scientific method is a process that involves strict
standardized procedures that helps to gather and interpret objective information in a way
that minimizes error and yields dependable results. Because of this, others can
understand, interpret, and repeat and test the findings. Meaning, it needs to be
duplicatable.
o STEP 1: The book says observe some phenomenon. I think “Duh!” and
instead argue it’s the literature review. Go to the professional journals and read
up on the research that already exists on the topic.
Visit databases and read everything possible on the subject.
Be part of and add to the conversation.
Use hot/key/popular terms.
o STEP 2: State a hypothesis. This an educated guess, or prediction that can be
tested, that derives logically from a theory. It is a specific expectation for the
outcome of the study and a guess of how one variable is related to another.
Explicitly state how each of the variables in the hypothesis will be
operationally defined (observed, manipulated, and measured). An
operational definition provides an objective description of how a
variable is going to be measured and observed in particular study.
o STEP 3: Test the hypothesis by conducting empirical research. Empirical
research is based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience,
rather than theory or pure logic.
Gain knowledge by observing objective evidence, learn about the world
by conducting systematic inquiries.
Pick a research design (descriptive, correlational, or experimental)
o STEP 4: Data collection and analysis. Data are collected and statistical
analysis are performed to determine whether or not the findings are statistically
significant, findings are not due to chance, and if hypothesis should be supported
or rejected.
o STEP 5: Publication. Submit to a peer-reviewed journal. Once submitted the
work will undergo rigorous review by other scientists who evaluate the work for
its scientific merit.
GOALS OF PSYCH RESEARCH: “Remember, in the process of establishing itself as an
independent discipline separate from philosophy, psychology chose to adopt the scientific
method to define itself as a science according to the criteria used by the natural sciences and
thus redefine psychological phenomena, rendering them capable of quantification.”
WHY DO RESEARCH? WHAT ARE THE GOALS?: The points of research are to
inform, observe, access, and understand truth. But why do this?
o 1: Description – tells what occurs
1st step in understanding behavior
o 2: Explanation – tells why a behavior or mental process occurs
Discover and understand its causes
o 3 (HIGHER LEVEL): Prediction – identify when and under what conditions a
future behavior or mental process is likely to occur
o 4 (HIGHER LEVEL): Change – applying psychological knowledge to prevent
unwanted outcomes
Ex: early prevention education (drugs, bullying, disorders, suicide)
RESEARCH METHODS: “It’s not about what you study, but how you study it.”
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD: The scientific method is a process that involves strict
standardized procedures that helps to gather and interpret objective information in a way
that minimizes error and yields dependable results. Because of this, others can
understand, interpret, and repeat and test the findings. Meaning, it needs to be
duplicatable.
o STEP 1: The book says observe some phenomenon. I think “Duh!” and
instead argue it’s the literature review. Go to the professional journals and read
up on the research that already exists on the topic.
Visit databases and read everything possible on the subject.
Be part of and add to the conversation.
Use hot/key/popular terms.
o STEP 2: State a hypothesis. This an educated guess, or prediction that can be
tested, that derives logically from a theory. It is a specific expectation for the
outcome of the study and a guess of how one variable is related to another.
Explicitly state how each of the variables in the hypothesis will be
operationally defined (observed, manipulated, and measured). An
operational definition provides an objective description of how a
variable is going to be measured and observed in particular study.
o STEP 3: Test the hypothesis by conducting empirical research. Empirical
research is based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience,
rather than theory or pure logic.
Gain knowledge by observing objective evidence, learn about the world
by conducting systematic inquiries.
Pick a research design (descriptive, correlational, or experimental)
o STEP 4: Data collection and analysis. Data are collected and statistical
analysis are performed to determine whether or not the findings are statistically
significant, findings are not due to chance, and if hypothesis should be supported
or rejected.
o STEP 5: Publication. Submit to a peer-reviewed journal. Once submitted the
work will undergo rigorous review by other scientists who evaluate the work for
its scientific merit.
GOALS OF PSYCH RESEARCH: “Remember, in the process of establishing itself as an
independent discipline separate from philosophy, psychology chose to adopt the scientific
method to define itself as a science according to the criteria used by the natural sciences and
thus redefine psychological phenomena, rendering them capable of quantification.”
WHY DO RESEARCH? WHAT ARE THE GOALS?: The points of research are to
inform, observe, access, and understand truth. But why do this?
o 1: Description – tells what occurs
1st step in understanding behavior
o 2: Explanation – tells why a behavior or mental process occurs
Discover and understand its causes
o 3 (HIGHER LEVEL): Prediction – identify when and under what conditions a
future behavior or mental process is likely to occur
o 4 (HIGHER LEVEL): Change – applying psychological knowledge to prevent
unwanted outcomes
Ex: early prevention education (drugs, bullying, disorders, suicide)
