What is research used for psychology?

A wide range of research methods are used in psychology. These methods vary by the sources from which information is obtained, how that information is sampled, and the types of instruments that are used in data collection. Methods also vary by whether they collect qualitative data, quantitative data or both.

Qualitative psychological research is where the research findings are not arrived at by statistical or other quantitative procedures. Quantitative psychological research is where the research findings result from mathematical modeling and statistical estimation or statistical inference. Since qualitative information can be handled as such statistically, the distinction relates to method, rather than the topic studied.

There are three main types of psychological research:

The following are common research designs and data collection methods:

Research designs vary according to the period(s) of time over which data are collected:

Research in psychology has been conducted with both animals and human subjects:

References[edit]

• Stangor, Charles. (2007). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. 3rd ed. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
• Weathington, B.L., Cunningham, C.J.L., & Pittenger, D.P. (2010). Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Psychology is not an absolute science and is often referred to as a 'Social Science' or a 'Soft Science.' This is because it deals with human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, and as we are all aware, humans are not always predictable and reliable. Instead, we interact with our environment in ways that alter how we behave, how we think, and how we feel. Change one thing and the domino effect can change everything else.

Nevertheless, research plays an extremely important role in psychology. Research helps us understand what makes people think, feel, and act in certain ways; allows us to categorize psychological disorders in order to understand the symptoms and impact on the individual and society; helps us to understand how intimate relationships, development, schools, family, peers, and religion affect us as individuals and as a society; and helps us to develop effective treatments to improve the quality of life of individuals and groups.

In this sense, psychological research is typically used for the following:

Study development and external factors and the role they play on individuals' mental health

Study people with specific psychological disorders, symptoms, or characteristics

Develop tests to measure specific psychological phenomenon

Develop treatment approaches to improve individuals' mental health

In the following sections, you will learn about how research is conducted and the different types of research methods used to gather information.

Research psychologists use scientific methods to examine questions and test hypotheses with the aim of understanding human thought and behavior. This research can focus on phenomena and processes at various levels, including: physiology, brain activity, and genetics; individual perception, cognition, and behavior; interpersonal relationships and social interactions; and broader cultural, economic, political, and societal factors.

Many research psychologists investigate aspects of typical functioning, including how we sense and perceive the world around us, how we make decisions, and how we develop over the lifespan. Other research psychologists focus specifically on processes that contribute to thinking and behavior in the context of clinical disorders.

Research psychologists share the findings of their investigations in a variety of outlets, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and giving talks in academic settings. In addition to conducting studies and experiments, research psychologists may also have roles as educators, practitioners, and consultants.

Psychologists study a wide range of topics, such as language development in children and the effects of sensory deprivation on behavior. They use scientifically testable models and methods to conduct their research.

Describing Research

Scientists use the following terms to describe their research:

• Variables: the events, characteristics, behaviors, or conditions that researchers measure and study.
• Subject or participant: an individual person or animal a researcher studies.
• Sample: a collection of subjects researchers study. Researchers use samples because they cannot study the entire population.
• Population: the collection of people or animals from which researchers draw a sample. Researchers study the sample and generalize their results to the population.

The Purpose of Research

Psychologists have three main goals when doing research:

• To find ways to measure and describe behavior
• To understand why, when, and how events occur
• To apply this knowledge to solving real-world problems

What is psychological research used for?

What type of research is used in psychology?

How basic research is used in psychology?