METHODS OF eNQUIRY IN PSYCHOLOGY Chapter 2 METHODS OF eNQUIRY IN PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is the study of Introduction Psychology is the study of Experiences Behaviors Mental processes

GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ENQUIRY

Description Prediction Explanation Describe a behavior/phenomenon Helps in distinguishing one behavior from another Minute details of a behavior are studied Description Involves predicting a behavior To know relationship of one behavior with another Forecast predictability of occurrence of a behavior More observation  increase in accuracy of prediction Prediction Determine causal factors /determinants of a behavior Is done to study the cause and effect relationship of a behavior Explanation

Explaining the consequences f occurrence of a particular behavior Controlling behavior by making changes in its determinants. Control is : 1. making a particular behavior happen 2. reducing the behavior 3. enchaining the behavior Control Final goal – to bring positive changes in behavior Psychological Research aims to solve problems in various settings Scientific enquiry is conducted to develop new theories constructs  future research Application

STEPS IN CONDUCTING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

A Scientific Study should be Science is not defined by what it investigates but by how it is done! A Scientific Study should be Objective Systematic Testable

OBJECTIVITY : It means that if two or more individuals independently study a particular event – both of them to a great extent should arrive at the same conclusion. TESTABLE: (1)The logical property that the hypothesis are not logically impossible, and (2) the practical feasibility of observing a reproducible series of such counterexamples if they do exist. In short, a hypothesis is testable if there is some real hope of deciding whether it is true or false of real experience.

Conceptualizing a Problem Systematic Procedure : steps are as follows - 1 Conceptualizing a Problem 2 Collecting Data 3 Drawing Conclusions 4 Revising Research Conclusions

STEP 1 : CONCEPTUALIZING A PROBLEM Selecting a topic of study. Narrow down focus and develop specific problems and questions related to the study topic. Various topics are studied in psychology : individual behavior , group behavior , organizational level , etc. HYPOTHESIS : After developing the research topic – tentative answer is developed called Hypothesis.

Methods of data collection Procedure of data collection STEP 2 : COLLECTING DATA Data collection requires – developing a blueprint/design of the entire study. It requires taking decision regarding : Depending on the nature of the study Participants of study Observation, interviews, case study, surveys, etc Methods of data collection Interview schedule, observation methods, etc Tools to be used Tools to be administered in a group or individual setting Procedure of data collection

STEP 3 : DRAWING CONCLUSIONS Involves analysis of data -> using statistical means. Using Graphical Representations (bar diagram, pie chart, histogram , etc ) Aim of drawing conclusions is to draw conclusions and verify the hypothesis.

STEP 4 : REVISIONG RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS The aim is to check whether the conclusions support the hypothesis or not.

NATURE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DATA

DATA Information collected from a variety of sources relating to individuals : covert and overt behavior experiences mental processes Method of data collection used and the characteristics of respondents  influence the nature and quality of data. Data does not speak about itself – INFERENCES have to be made from the collected data – meaning is attached to the data only when the researcher places it in a proper context.

TYPES OF DATA IN PSYCHOLOGY DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Personal information – name , age ,gender,education,birth history . Birth order , occupation ,etc….. PHYSICAL INFORMATION Ecological conditions – hilly,forest,desert,plain Mode of economy – earnings Housing conditions- rooms, locality, neighborhood School information PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA Height Weight Level of fatigue Heart rate EEG Oxygen levels Pattern of sleep Dreams PSYCHOLOGICAL DATA Intelligence Quotient Personality Creativity Emotions Illusions Delusions Hallucinations Thought Processes