Research Methods

Research is fundamental to the field of psychology. As in all sciences, the scientific method is used to conduct reliable research. In this topic, you have learned about the four steps of the scientific method, as well as the importance of replication to verify and strengthen confidence in research results. Although all psychology researchers employ the scientific method, the manner of conducting each study must be determined based on the goal of the research and the available resources. Among the many different types of research methods that can be used depending on what is being studied, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Many psychological studies revolve around behavior. As you have learned, researching behavior can be tricky. Unlike other sciences, the study of humans can present unique issues, such as bias and protection of rights. Despite this concern, researchers rely greatly on conducting research to learn about psychology and behavior, and abiding by ethical guidelines helps them to ensure that gaining knowledge in the field of psychology can be safe and beneficial to everyone.