Methods of Research
Psychologists study human behaviour using a variety of
different research methods.
Why do psychologists need research methods?
The function of the wide range of research methods use in
psychologists investigations is:
To provide techniques that can help psychologists to gather
and make sense of their data.
The method used for any investigation depends on what is
being studied.
Such as?
o Some behaviours, like memory, are more suited to
experimental, laboratory-based research.
o Other types of behaviour, for example, children’s social
behaviour, are more suited to non-laboratory methods,
such as naturalistic observation.
o In some situations, it might not be appropriate to study
behaviour directly, but might be more sensible to ask
people to report on their own behaviour and attitudes,
using interviews or questionnaires; such methods are
known as self-report methods.
When researchers choose a method what must they
do?
When researchers choose a methodology to study a problem,
they must weigh the strengths and limitations of their opinions
in the context of the overall goals of research.
, Experimental methods
How many key features does a true experiment have?
The true experiment has three key features.
What are they?
1. An independent variable is manipulated by the researcher
to produce a change in the dependent variable.
2. Manipulation and control of other variables (extraneous
and confounding variables).
3. Random allocation- control of variables.
Psychologists study human behaviour using a variety of
different research methods.
Why do psychologists need research methods?
The function of the wide range of research methods use in
psychologists investigations is:
To provide techniques that can help psychologists to gather
and make sense of their data.
The method used for any investigation depends on what is
being studied.
Such as?
o Some behaviours, like memory, are more suited to
experimental, laboratory-based research.
o Other types of behaviour, for example, children’s social
behaviour, are more suited to non-laboratory methods,
such as naturalistic observation.
o In some situations, it might not be appropriate to study
behaviour directly, but might be more sensible to ask
people to report on their own behaviour and attitudes,
using interviews or questionnaires; such methods are
known as self-report methods.
When researchers choose a method what must they
do?
When researchers choose a methodology to study a problem,
they must weigh the strengths and limitations of their opinions
in the context of the overall goals of research.
, Experimental methods
How many key features does a true experiment have?
The true experiment has three key features.
What are they?
1. An independent variable is manipulated by the researcher
to produce a change in the dependent variable.
2. Manipulation and control of other variables (extraneous
and confounding variables).
3. Random allocation- control of variables.
