Research methods in Psychology:
There are different methods that psychologists use to conduct scientific research using
different approaches such as observations, asking questions, designing a study, collecting
data, analyzing results and reaching conclusions (Weiten, 2018). There is a qualitative
research approach and quantitative research approach which will be discussed in the
following table.
Qualitative research methods: This method is used by Psychologists to
understand the way humans interact in a
social space.
Different qualitative research designs:
Observational design The name says it all. The researcher
observes individuals in their natural
settings.
The researcher collects data without
manipulating or making any changes
to the variables.
There is no direct contact with
individuals and also doesn’t include
an intervention.
Case study design The main focus is on a small group of
people.
It refers to the in-depth observation of
a person or group of people and the
findings cannot be generalised.
The researcher often describes the
individuals' experiences and
behaviour.
Phenomenology design The notion that the world and reality
are socially constructed.
The focus is on people’s everyday life
experiences.
Questions that are often asked: What
1
, is this experience like? What does this
experience mean?
Advantages of qualitative research: Disadvantages of qualitative research:
Comprehensive description Time and labour intensive
Natural, real-life context Complex and open-ended
Subtlety of meaning Rigour and representativity
Flexibility of design Subjectivity and Bias
Foregrounding of researcher’s role Responsibility and ethics
Reflexivity
Qualitative data collection methods:
Before collecting data, researchers have to decide on the preferred method of collecting the
data. The researcher can choose to conduct interviews, do direct observation or analyse
documents.
Interviews: A commonly used method for collecting qualitative
data.
A useful method for gathering in-depth information
about participants' experiences.
Questions are clarified during the interview.
More personal method of collecting data.
They can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Face-to-face interviews: Research conducted in the presence of a
participant.
More personal and warm.
Using this kind of design can cost money = Travel
costs.
Telephone interviews: Cost-effective method = No travelling involved.
The researcher can widen the sample = Geographical
range: able to reach people who stay far.
Participants can choose to remain anonymous.
2
There are different methods that psychologists use to conduct scientific research using
different approaches such as observations, asking questions, designing a study, collecting
data, analyzing results and reaching conclusions (Weiten, 2018). There is a qualitative
research approach and quantitative research approach which will be discussed in the
following table.
Qualitative research methods: This method is used by Psychologists to
understand the way humans interact in a
social space.
Different qualitative research designs:
Observational design The name says it all. The researcher
observes individuals in their natural
settings.
The researcher collects data without
manipulating or making any changes
to the variables.
There is no direct contact with
individuals and also doesn’t include
an intervention.
Case study design The main focus is on a small group of
people.
It refers to the in-depth observation of
a person or group of people and the
findings cannot be generalised.
The researcher often describes the
individuals' experiences and
behaviour.
Phenomenology design The notion that the world and reality
are socially constructed.
The focus is on people’s everyday life
experiences.
Questions that are often asked: What
1
, is this experience like? What does this
experience mean?
Advantages of qualitative research: Disadvantages of qualitative research:
Comprehensive description Time and labour intensive
Natural, real-life context Complex and open-ended
Subtlety of meaning Rigour and representativity
Flexibility of design Subjectivity and Bias
Foregrounding of researcher’s role Responsibility and ethics
Reflexivity
Qualitative data collection methods:
Before collecting data, researchers have to decide on the preferred method of collecting the
data. The researcher can choose to conduct interviews, do direct observation or analyse
documents.
Interviews: A commonly used method for collecting qualitative
data.
A useful method for gathering in-depth information
about participants' experiences.
Questions are clarified during the interview.
More personal method of collecting data.
They can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Face-to-face interviews: Research conducted in the presence of a
participant.
More personal and warm.
Using this kind of design can cost money = Travel
costs.
Telephone interviews: Cost-effective method = No travelling involved.
The researcher can widen the sample = Geographical
range: able to reach people who stay far.
Participants can choose to remain anonymous.
2
