Research Methods in Psychology Introduction to Psychology

Definition of Research  Research means a systematic, well planned study & observation of the facts surrounding the problem.  Try to find out more relevant information regarding a problem.  The way of thinking regarding different nature of problem  The use of standardized procedure in search of knowledge is called research.

Nature of Research  Research begins with the question.  It requires a plan, direction & designed  It gives new direction to the thoughts  It demands clear statement of problem  It seeks direction through appropriate hypothesis  It deals with facts & figures  It is used for planning in all major areas of organizational life.

Types of Research  1.Basic/ Pure Research: Usually conduct in universities & laboratories to explore new theories & advance scientific understanding 1.Description 2.Explanation 3.Prediction  2. Secondary/ Applied Research: Designed to solve practical problem & to change existing real-world problem.

Research Methods All sciences use observation, experiments & research methods for investigation of its data Steps for Research Methods 1. Problem 2. Hypothesis 3. Variables 4. Experimental Design 5. Method of data collection 6. Data Analysis 7. Result 8. Report Writing 9. Conclusion & Discussion 10. References & Bibliography

1. Problem: A thing which need any solution Research can not be started without any problem. Problem is a question which needs to be answered by a scientific & systematic way. Basic purpose of research to search the answer of question 2. Hypothesis:  Testable statement is known as hypothesis which must be formatted in any research.  It assume the situation with logics.  It may or may not be correct.  A specific prediction about how one variable is related to another.  There can be more then one hypothesis for a problem which is either approved or disapproved after conducting research.

3. Variables: Changeable values are called variables or factors that can vary or change.  Independent variable: Manipulated by researcher in order to determine its effect on behavior  Dependent Variables: Use to assess the effect of independent variable  Controlled Variables: Which are being controlled during research  Uncontrolled Variables: Which can not be controlled during research

4. Experimental Design:  The most scientific, reliable & developed procedure of investigation.  It provides procedure for testing a hypothesis & prediction formulated on some observed facts.  It refers to the procedure used in collecting data  In experimental Design researcher manipulates one independent variable & studies its effect on dependent variables. POPULATION: Set of all the cases of interest. SAMPLING: Something less than all the cases of interest.

5. Methods of Data Collection 1. Introspection2. Observation 3. Interview4.Case Study Method 5. Survey Method a. Introspection: Give us direct, immediate, certain & exact knowledge about one’s own mental process. It was regarded as a chief source of information about mind. This method regards consciousness is the important object of study.

b. Observation: We can understand the mental process by observation. The data which collect through observation can be analyzed, classified & measured. c. Case Study Method:  In order to discover the cause of adjustment problem, we often explore past history & present situation on the basis of available information.  To obtain complete record of an individual exploring & analyzing the past experience, relationship & problem of a person.

d. Survey Method: To obtain solid information from large number of people. To assess people thoughts, opinions & feelings. Questionnaire: List of written questions that are answered by making correct response from the choice. 1.Open-ended Questionnaire 2.Close-ended Questionnaire e. Interview: It is verbal interaction between two individual for particular purpose. 1.Formal /Structure Interview 2.Informal /Unstructured Interview

6. Data Analysis: is ordering, breaking down into parts in order to obtain answer. After data collection, analyze it to decide whether to support or reject the hypothesis. Statistical Method: used to organize summaries & interpret numerical data. It is necessary for standardized procedure 7. Result:  At this stage we come to know hypothesis is accepted or rejected.  Research is being compiled on the basis of data collection, analysis & treatment of data.  Result is explained the approval or disapproval of the hypothesis with logics, graph & tables

8. Report Writing: Written document which is prepare at the end of research. Following points should be considered  Problem should be carefully defined  Research procedure carefully mentioned  Experimental design should be carefully planned

9. Conclusion & Discussion Research share his work with others that what is the outcome of his research? The whole process of research is being discussed critically which would be a supporting step for further studies & research. 10. References & Bibliography: Reference person, books, articles, sites which are used for data collection mention in detail in this step.