Class 11 Psychology | Chapter 2 - Methods of Enquiry in Psychology | What is Psychological Research? #eduvictors #class11Psychology

Class 11 Psychology | Chapter 2 - Methods of Enquiry in Psychology | What is Psychological Research?

What is Psychological research? What are the main steps involved in the research? What are the outcomes of the research?

Answer:

A psychological research is conducted for the purpose of description, prediction, explanation, control of behaviour, and application of knowledge generated objectively. It is done to describe, predict, explain, and control behaviour, and to use the knowledge gained in a fair and unbiased way.

For example, Researchers might study how stress affects performance to understand and predict behaviour, then use that knowledge to help people manage stress better.

Psychological research involves the following four steps: conceptualising a problem, collecting data, analysing data, and drawing and revising research conclusions.

The process includes four main steps: 

1. identifying a problem, 

2. gathering data, 

3. examining the data, and 

4. Formulating and updating conclusions based on the findings.

   

For example: If a researcher wants to study the impact of sleep on memory, they first define the problem (lack of sleep), collect data (conduct experiments), analyse the results (compare memory performance), and then draw conclusions (lack of sleep reduces memory performance).

Psychological research is also conducted to discover and understand the subjective meanings of events as they occur in a particular context, and also reflect upon one’s own behaviour and experiences. It also aims to find and understand the personal meanings of events in specific situations and reflect on one’s actions and experiences.

For example, a study might explore how individuals perceive stress during exams to understand their personal experiences and feelings in that context, helping them learn how to cope better.

Thus, Psychological research helps describe, predict, explain, and control behaviour and uses the knowledge gained fairly. It involves defining a problem, gathering and analysing data, and forming conclusions. This research also seeks to understand the personal meanings of events and reflect on individual experiences.

Here are some types of psychological research methods that are frequently used:

1. Experimental Research:

- Involves manipulating one variable to determine if it causes a change in another variable.

- Example: Testing the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance.

2. Correlational Research:

- Examines the relationship between two or more variables to see if they are associated.

- Example: Studying the correlation between stress levels and physical health.

3. Survey Research:

- Collects data from a large group of people using questionnaires or interviews.

- Example: Surveying students about their study habits and academic performance.

4. Observational Research:

- Observing and recording behaviour in a natural or controlled setting without interference.

- Example: Watching how children interact with each other in a playground.

5. Case Study:

- An in-depth study of a single individual, group, or event.

- Example: Detailed analysis of a patient with a rare psychological disorder.

6. Longitudinal Research:

- Studies the same group of individuals over an extended period to observe changes.

- Example: Following a group of people from childhood to adulthood to study developmental changes.

7. Cross-Sectional Research:

- Compares different groups of people at a single point in time.

- Example: Comparing the cognitive abilities of different age groups simultaneously.

8. Meta-Analysis:

- Combines the results of multiple studies to arrive at a comprehensive conclusion.

- Example: Analyzing various studies on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy.

9. Qualitative Research:

- Involves collecting non-numerical data to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences.

- Example: Conducting interviews to explore the experiences of people with depression.

10. Mixed-Methods Research:

- Combines both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (non-numerical) research methods.

- Example: Using surveys (quantitative) and interviews (qualitative) to study job satisfaction.

👉See Also:

Chapter 1: What is Psychology (Q & A)
Categories of Philosophy