PSY1315 - Research in Psychology Quiz

PSY1315 - Understanding Research in Psychology

• Course title: Understanding Research in Psychology
• Lecturer: Dr Lorleen Farrugia
• Email: [email protected]
• ECTS Value: 4 ECTS
• Study Unit Type: Lectures
• Attendance: Compulsory
• Assessment: Research (compulsory), Examination – 1 hour multiple choice questions
• Subject: Research in Psychology

Study Unit Outline

• The research process
• Research designs (experimental and non-experimental)
• Research methods (experiments, surveys, interviews, focus groups, sampling, reliability and validity issues)

Short Course Description

• The course aims to introduce students to foundational topics of scientific inquiry.
• By the end of the course, students will:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of research steps involved in carrying out research
  • Understand issues related to reliability, validity, and sampling
  • Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative methods
  • Identify main research data collection tools

Required Text/Reading List

• Langdridge, D., & Hagger-Johnson, G. (2009). Introduction to research methods and data analysis in psychology. London: Pearson Education
• Creswell, J.W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. London: Sage.
• Creswell, J.W. (2008). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: Sage.

List of Topics

• Introduction
• Steps in Doing Research
• Surveys I
• Surveys II
• Experiments I
• Experiments II
• Interviews I
• Interviews II
• Focus Groups I
• Focus Groups II
• Ethical Issues in Research
• Reporting Research & the APA® Style

Introduction to Research Methods

• Why do we carry out research?
  • Understanding real-world phenomena
  • Testing theories and hunches
  • Gaining expertise in a specific area
  • Applying skills learned in research to jobs
  • Developing adaptability and flexibility

What is the difference between everyday speculation and research?

Research Methods

• Everyday examples of asking about the behaviour of others and ourselves
• Wanting to understand our own behaviours, motivations and interpretations
  • Example: Why do people smoke?
  • Why do young people use TikTok? etc

Types of Research Paradigms

• There are many ways to classify research.
  • Experimental/Non-experimental
  • Quantitative/Qualitative

Experimental vs. Non-Experimental Research

• Experimental: Usually lab-based, uses technical apparatus, assessments, observations, quantitative data, few confounding variables, can prove causation
• Non-Experimental: Usually field-based, uses surveys, interviews, focus groups, both quantitative and qualitative data, many confounding variables, cannot prove causation

The Scientific Method

• Research conducted using the scientific method:
  • Based on objective observations/earlier research.
  • Generates testable hypotheses (research questions).
  • Evaluated through well-designed studies.
  • Gathers quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Reports results that can be analyzed, repeated, and extended by other researchers

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data

• Quantitative: Numerical data (e.g., measuring variables, incidence rates). Broad overview, can be replicated, generalized to population
• Qualitative: Interpretive, understanding experiences (e.g., why people are afraid to donate organs). Depth, cannot be replicated, generalization to population is limited

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

• Quantitative: Large sample size, breadth of data, can be generalized to the population, replicable
• Qualitative: Small sample size, depth of data, cannot be generalized to population, not replicable

The Research Process

(Diagram showing steps involved in conducting research).

• Selection of the problem
• Review of existing theories and research
• Statement of research question/hypothesis
• Determination of research design
• Data collection
• Analysis and interpretation of data
• Presentation of results

Test your understanding of the research process in psychology with this quiz. Explore key topics such as research designs, methods, and issues of reliability and validity. Perfect for students looking to consolidate their knowledge in this essential area of study.