Research Methods
The Scientific Method
You may recall the scientific method from a previous science course. The scientific method is a procedure that uses systematic observation, measurement, experiments, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses to answer a specific research question or to solve a particular problem. Like other scientific disciplines, psychology uses the scientific method to gain knowledge. Click the player to begin.
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Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
Using the framework provided by the scientific method, researchers must acquire knowledge about behavior and mental processes. Research methods can be broken into two different groups quantitative research and qualitative research.
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Research Methods
Psychologists use a variety of different research methods in their studies, including surveys, case studies, naturalistic observations, correlational studies, experimental methods, and interviews. In this interactivity, you will examine these six different research methods that psychologists use when conducting studies. As you delve into the content, organize the information in a table using the Research Methods Template to record your notes. Click the player to begin.
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Back at Woodlawn Heights High School
MR. BAKER: OK, students, consider this scenario - a university professor wants to study how people learn behavior. Specifically, he wants to know how people learn to fear objects or events. He plans to test a nine-month-old baby to see if he can get the child to fear something he was not afraid of originally. The professor plans to do this by banging a steel bar with a hammer whenever a white animal is placed in front of the young child. The loud sound will startle the baby and cause him to be afraid. The professor wants to see whether the baby's fear of the noise will transfer to, or become associated with, the white animal.
Is this research idea ethical?"
MARCOS: "Mr. B, I sure would like to see what happens when a baby is scared like the one you talked about earlier."
HANNAH: "Marcos! Are you serious? What if the baby becomes afraid of something for the rest of his life, just because a professor wanted to see what happened?"
JANELLE: "I completely agree with you, Hannah. On the other hand, if the research was able to help us understand something about how people learn, maybe it's worth it."
MR BAKER: "You are absolutely right. Ethics is a complex issue in psychology. Hannah and Janelle, you both make great points. Ethical guidelines in psychology have evolved throughout the years, and they will certainly continue to do so."
Ethical Guidelines
Ethical guidelines are very important when carrying out any type of psychological research. Ethics refers to the moral considerations and guidelines that determine the types of research that can be conducted on human and non-human animal subjects. It is essential that researchers adhere to an ethical code of practice when carrying out research on both humans and non-human animals. Animals are often studied to better understand physiological and psychological processes that they share with humans. Click on the player to begin.
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Psychological Research Review
Now that you have explored the scientific method, common research methods, and ethical guidelines for conducting psychological research, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player to get started.