¶ … Psychology
Research and the Scientific Method: A Concise Definition
Research as a term does not have an assigned definition. Indeed, different authors have in the past offered varying definitions of the same. In the opinion of Goddard and Melville (2004), research does not limit itself to information gathering. Research as the authors point out "is about answering unanswered questions or creating that which does not currently exist" (Goddard and Melville, 2004). In that regard, an individual who seeks to systematically gather new information in an attempt to find answers to specific questions is in one way or the other involved in research. On the other hand, when it comes to the scientific method, the same according to Jackson (as cited in Coon and Mitterer, 2010) can be defined as "a form of critical thinking based on careful collection of evidence, accurate description and measurement, precise definition, controlled observation, and repeatable results."
As Coon and Mitterer (2010) point out, the scientific method has a number of elements (six to be precise). The first element identified by the authors in this case is making observations. It is important to note that although formulation of the hypothesis is often thought to be the very first step of the scientific method, observation act as the basis of the hypothesis. The other steps of the scientific method identified by Coon and Mitterer (2010) include: problem definition, proposing a hypothesis, evidence gathering, theory building and finally, publishing of...
The Descriptive Method: Because psychology is an observational science, it necessarily relies on the experimenter to observe, catalogue, quantify, and interpret variables suspected of a causative relationship. While observation is, therefore, essential to the study of psychology, it also presents a potential weakness in the results observed (Carlson 2006). For example, in the above experiment, the experimenter could, through a series of well designed experiments, determine that: (1) domestic violence
Scientific Method The objective of this study is to examine the 'scientific method' of research. Towards this end, this study will examine the literature in this area of inquiry. The scientific method of research involves specific steps including those of: (1) defining the question of research; (2) location of resources and gathering of information; (3) formulation of a hypothesis or hypotheses; (4) planning of research collection methods; (5) collection of data; (6)
Psychology is an important field of study mainly because it can be used to enhance the lives of people as it increases an individual's level of self-understanding, well-being, and quality of relationships. The main reason for the impact of psychology on people's lives is because this field focuses on describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling the mental and behavioral processes of an individual. As a broad field of study, the field
scientific method include a reliance on the empirical approach toward acquiring knowledge, and the skeptical attitude that scientists adopt toward explanations of behavior and mental processes (5). The empirical approach entails relying on direct observation and on objectivity. Once a scientist observes an object or a phenomenon and describes the phenomenon using clearly defined terms, he or she will probably formulate a hypothesis. The hypothesis is generally designed to
Many inquiries were made into the universe, from how it worked to its creation, as well as the construction of a workable calendar and an understanding of numerous illnesses. These collective areas of discussion fall under the term of natural philosophy, or philosophy of nature. Before modern science was developed and widely used, natural philosophy was the prominent method of gaining knowledge. So dominant and involved was natural philosophy
Psychologists Use Scientific Methods to Study behavior and mental processes. behavioral disorders. unconscious mental processes. the meaning of dreams. Cognitive psychology can best be described as the study of higher mental processes. the therapeutic applications of critical thinking. the area of psychology which attempts to reduce judgmental thinking. a subspecialty of psychology based exclusively on observation rather than experimentation. Who was a leading proponent of behaviorism in the United States until his/her death in 1990? Carl Rogers Skinner Ivan Pavlov Albert Bandura Charles Darwin argued
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now