Research Methods in Psychology

Types of Research Methods

Qualitative Research

• Focuses on collecting and analyzing non-numerical data
• Explores attitudes, opinions, and behaviors
• Methods:
  • Case studies
  • Content analysis
  • Ethnographic research
  • Focus groups
  • Interviews
  • Observations

Quantitative Research

• Focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data
• Examines relationships, patterns, and trends
• Methods:
  • Experiments
  • Surveys
  • Questionnaires
  • Correlational studies
  • Quasi-experiments

Research Design

Experimental Research

• Manipulates one or more independent variables
• Measures the effect on the dependent variable
• Types:
  • Laboratory experiments
  • Field experiments
  • Quasi-experiments

Non-Experimental Research

• Observes and analyzes existing data
• No manipulation of variables
• Types:
  • Correlational studies
  • Survey research
  • Content analysis

Data Collection Methods

Primary Data Collection

• Collects original data through direct observation or participation
• Methods:
  • Surveys
  • Interviews
  • Observations
  • Experiments

Secondary Data Collection

• Uses existing data from external sources
• Methods:
  • Literature reviews
  • Archival research
  • Content analysis

Data Analysis

Descriptive Statistics

• Summarizes and describes data
• Measures:
  • Means
  • Medians
  • Modes
  • Ranges
  • Standard deviations

Inferential Statistics

• Makes inferences about a population based on a sample
• Methods:
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Confidence intervals
  • Regression analysis

Research Ethics

Informed Consent

• Participants must understand the research and its risks
• Must give voluntary and informed consent

Confidentiality

• Protects participants' identities and data
• Ensures anonymity and privacy

Deception and Debriefing

• Researchers must avoid deceiving participants
• Participants should be debriefed after the study

Understand the different types of research methods, research design, data collection, and analysis in psychology, as well as the importance of research ethics. Learn about qualitative and quantitative research, experimental and non-experimental designs, and statistical analysis methods.