Summary of Study Methods in Psychology
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsSummary of Study Methods in Psychology
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsSUMMARY OF PSYCHOLOGY STUDY METHODS
1. Descriptive method
Research method based on the mechanism of observation as a source of
information. Its weak point is that it can be influenced by the subjectivity of the
observer (thoughts, expectations, motivations, etc.).
GUYS
Case study: In-depth study of a subject with the intention of extrapolating
the observations to the rest of the subjects.
The survey: Study of the responses of a sample greater than N=1 to a
series of questions designed to obtain information about behaviors,
thoughts, opinions, etc.
Naturalistic observation: Descriptive method based on observation and
systematic recording of the behaviors shown by beings in their natural
habitat.
2. Correlational method
Based on the results obtained with the description method, it is common to try to
establish associations between different results that usually occur together.
Some aspects that we must take into consideration to avoid reaching false
conclusions are:
Illusory correlations: associations between phenomena can be perceived
even though the theoretical bases do not support them. For example, a
correlation between computer typing speed and verbal intelligence.
Weak cause-effect inferences: the correlation shows an association
between variables, but does not establish the chronological order between
them (it does not reveal the cause or the effect).
3. Experimental method
In experimental approach research, the researcher manipulates one or more study
variables to control the increase or decrease of those variables and their effect on
the observed behaviors. In other words, an experiment consists of making a
change in the value of one variable (independent variable) and observing its effect
on another variable (dependent variable). This is carried out under strictly
controlled conditions, in order to describe how or why a particular situation or
event occurs.
TYPES OF VARIABLES:
Independent variables: An independent variable is the characteristic or
property that we assume is the cause of the phenomenon being studied
and it is this term that we will use to refer to the variable that the researcher
is going to manipulate.
Dependent variables: This is the variable that compiles the modifications
that take place when manipulating the independent variable. It will be what
we must observe, what we will have to measure and what will provide us
with the information to take into account.
Controlled variables: The relevant variables must be fully controlled, while
the rest must be equal to prevent them from influencing the result of our
experiment and becoming contaminating variables.
THE 5 MOST COMMON STUDY METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology employs a series of study methods that allow psychologists to
approach the questions raised in the most optimal way and with the fewest biases,
in order to build knowledge that will serve as the basis for new hypotheses.
Typically, research methods in psychology are divided into three large families.
The correlational method, the descriptive method and the experimental method.
Although we will not see the entire family tree of study methods, we will specify
some methodologies that are particularly important for the study of psychology.
1. Correlational method
When we talk about correlation, we refer to the association between two variables.
A correlation indicates how many times we observe phenomenon A, we can also
observe phenomenon B at the same time. For example, if we take the variables
“socioeconomic level” and “academic success” we can ask ourselves if these two
correlate, that is, if the appearance of one predicts the appearance of the other.
This is useful because it allows predictions to be made. If we know that weight and
height correlate positively, when we see a tall person we can predict that he or she
will be overweight. At this point we must pause and make a distinction between
association and causality.
2. Descriptive method
Psychologists choose this method of study when we want to describe a
phenomenon as it occurs, in a detailed and exhaustive manner in all its aspects. It
consists of any attempt to determine or identify what the phenomenon is without
going into why, when or how.
This is the method we choose when we want to answer questions such as: "What
attitudes do people over 65 in rural settings have towards homosexuality?"
Through surveys, case studies and systematic observation it is possible to answer
non-quantifiable questions.
3. Experimental method
Within the study methods of psychology, the experimental method aims to
elucidate what the cause-consequence relationship is through the manipulation of
one of the variables.
For example, if we want to observe the causal relationship between the
administration of a drug and the disappearance of symptoms, we will use the
experimental method of study. By dividing the sample into two groups, where one
is given a drug and the other a placebo, if we measure the symptoms at various
points in the research we will obtain experimental data about how the dependent
variable “symptoms” disappears when we introduce the independent variable
“drug”.
4. Study with twins
Sometimes psychologists use methods that do not fall into one of these three large
families. For example, when we want to know if personality is the result of
socialization or if it is heritable, we use twin studies. In these studies we take twins
separated at birth who grow up in different families and study their personality at
different points in their lives.
5. Computer models
Another way to study behavior is through computer models. This is a very
common method in the study of thought. It involves developing a theory about how
a specific mental process works, for example word recognition, and creating a
program that simulates this process as we think it occurs. We then test different
hypotheses through this program, performing simulations just as a human would
do. However, the validity of this method depends on how valid the theory that
supports it is.
CONCLUSIONS
Research is necessary in psychology.
Research is implicit in every professional activity, whether it be psychology
or another profession.
