Psychology - research methods

• Research methods

  • questionnaires
  • interviews
  • observations
  • experiments
  • case studies

  experiments are the most scientific method for carrying out research
• 4 goals of science

  • description
  • understanding
  • prediction
  • control
• 4 characteristics of science

  • empirical --> they only study phenomena that are observable and measurable
  • objective --> research should not be influenced or affected by the researcher or biased in any way
  • reliable --> repeated and similar results should be obtained
  • rational --> meaningful, logical/verifiable info
• • science aims to uncover new knowledge and identify scientific 'laws'
  • law is something that will always be the case
  • causal relationship (cause --> effect)
  • find out which independent variable (IV) cause the dependent variable (DV)
  • cause and effect can only be shown by controlling all of the other variables, so that they can show that it is a specific IV causing the DV
• quantitative data


  statistical data, numbers

  • can be converted into graphs and charts
• qualitative data


  written (worded) data

  • has more detail but is harder to analyse
• primary data


  data that you collect yourself
• secondary data


  data that is taken from someone else

  • quicker but may be baised
• scientific research


  carried out in a highly controlled environment, allows for extraneous variables to be controlled and show cause and effect.

  • will follow a standardised procedure, is reliable and objective
• non-scientific research


  provide more depth and detail and tend to be more valid.

  • uses research methods such as naturalistic observations, interviews and case studies
• standardisation


  you are keeping key aspects of the study the same

  • e.g. procedure, instructions, order of things, materials used