Psicología: Enfoque Metodológico

Methodological Approach in Psychology

Definition

A methodological approach in psychology refers to a systematic and structured way of conducting research, collecting data, and analyzing results to answer a research question or test a hypothesis.

Types of Methodological Approaches

There are two main types of methodological approaches in psychology:

1. Quantitative Approach

• Focuses on objective, numerical data
• Uses statistical methods to analyze data
• Aims to identify patterns, trends, and correlations
• Examples: surveys, experiments, and correlational studies

2. Qualitative Approach

• Focuses on non-numerical, descriptive data
• Uses thematic analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis
• Aims to gain in-depth understanding of experiences, attitudes, and behaviors
• Examples: case studies, interviews, and focus groups

Research Designs

Common research designs in psychology include:

1. Experimental Design

• Manipulates an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable
• Aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships

2. Correlational Design

• Examines the relationship between two or more variables
• Does not manipulate variables, but observes natural occurrences

3. Survey Design

• Collects self-report data through questionnaires or interviews
• Aims to describe attitudes, opinions, or behaviors of a population

Data Collection Methods

Common data collection methods in psychology include:

1. Self-Report Measures

• Surveys, questionnaires, and interviews

2. Behavioral Measures

• Observational studies, performance tasks, and physiological measures

3. Physiological Measures

• Measures of brain activity, heart rate, and other physiological responses

Data Analysis

Data analysis in psychology involves:

1. Descriptive Statistics

• Summarizes and describes the data

2. Inferential Statistics

• Makes inferences about a population based on a sample

3. Thematic Analysis

• Identifies patterns and themes in qualitative data

Aprende sobre los enfoques metodológicos en psicología, incluyendo el enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, diseños de investigación, métodos de recolección de datos y análisis de datos.