1. METHODS OF eNQUIRY IN PSYCHOLOGY
Chapter 2
METHODS OF
eNQUIRY IN
PSYCHOLOGY

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

3. GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ENQUIRY

4. 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

5. 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 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

6. STEPS IN CONDUCTING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

7. 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

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

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

14. NATURE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DATA

15. 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.

16. 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