Research Methods in Psychology

Research Methods in Psychology

Quantitative Methods

• Involves numerical data and statistical analysis
• Examples:
  • Surveys and questionnaires
  • Experiments (lab and field)
  • Correlational studies

Qualitative Methods

• Involves non-numerical data and thematic analysis
• Examples:
  • Case studies
  • Interviews
  • Observations (participant and non-participant)

Mixed Methods

• Combines quantitative and qualitative methods
• Examples:
  • Surveys with open-ended questions
  • Experiments with qualitative interviews

Approaches in Psychology

Biological Approach

• Focuses on the role of genetics, neurotransmitters, and the brain in behavior
• Key concepts:
  • Nature vs. nurture debate
  • Genetic influences on behavior
  • Neurotransmitters and their functions

Behavioral Approach

• Focuses on observable behavior and environmental influences
• Key concepts:
  • Classical conditioning (associative learning)
  • Operant conditioning (consequences of behavior)
  • Social learning theory

Cognitive Approach

• Focuses on mental processes, such as perception, attention, and memory
• Key concepts:
  • Information processing model
  • Levels of processing (shallow to deep)
  • Cognitive biases and heuristics

Humanistic Approach

• Focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and subjective experience
• Key concepts:
  • Self-concept and self-esteem
  • Personal growth and self-actualization
  • Human dignity and worth

Psychodynamic Approach

• Focuses on the role of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences
• Key concepts:
  • Id, ego, and superego
  • Defense mechanisms
  • Unconscious motivation and repression

Research Methods in Psychology

• Quantitative methods involve collecting and analyzing numerical data using statistical techniques.
• Examples of quantitative methods include surveys and questionnaires, experiments (lab and field), and correlational studies.
• Qualitative methods involve collecting and analyzing non-numerical data using thematic analysis.
• Examples of qualitative methods include case studies, interviews, and observations (participant and non-participant).
• Mixed methods combine quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
• Examples of mixed methods include surveys with open-ended questions and experiments with qualitative interviews.

Approaches in Psychology

Biological Approach

• Focuses on the role of genetics, neurotransmitters, and the brain in behavior.
• Explores the nature vs. nurture debate, which examines the relative contributions of genetics and environment to behavior.
• Considers the influence of genetics on behavior, including the role of genetic mutations and inheritance.
• Examines the functions of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in regulating behavior.

Behavioral Approach

• Focuses on observable behavior and environmental influences.
• Examines classical conditioning, a type of associative learning in which neutral stimuli become associated with naturally occurring stimuli.
• Explores operant conditioning, which involves the consequences of behavior, such as reinforcement or punishment.
• Considers social learning theory, which posits that behavior is learned through observation and imitation.

Cognitive Approach

• Focuses on mental processes, such as perception, attention, and memory.
• Examines the information processing model, which describes how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved.
• Considers the levels of processing, which range from shallow to deep processing.
• Explores cognitive biases and heuristics, which are mental shortcuts that can lead to errors or inaccurate judgments.

Humanistic Approach

• Focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and subjective experience.
• Examines the self-concept and self-esteem, which are critical components of personal identity.
• Explores the concept of personal growth and self-actualization, which involves realizing one's full potential.
• Considers the importance of human dignity and worth, which are fundamental to humanistic theory.

Psychodynamic Approach

• Focuses on the role of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping behavior.
• Examines the structure of the psyche, including the id, ego, and superego.
• Explores defense mechanisms, such as repression and denial, which are used to cope with anxiety and conflict.
• Considers the concept of unconscious motivation and repression, which can influence behavior and emotions.

Biological Approach

• Focus on the role of genetics, neurotransmitters, and the brain in behavior and mental processes
• Examines physical structures and functions of the brain and nervous system
• Emphasizes biological factors in shaping behavior and mental health

Behavioral Approach

• Focus on observable behavior and environmental factors influencing it
• Emphasizes learning and conditioning in shaping behavior
• Rejects the study of consciousness and the unconscious mind

Cognitive Approach

• Focus on mental processes: perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving
• Examines how people process and interpret environmental information
• Emphasizes mental representations and information processing in shaping behavior

Humanistic Approach

• Focus on personal growth, self-actualization, and human dignity
• Emphasizes subjective experience and personal values
• Rejects the idea that human behavior can be reduced to simple causes or laws

Psychodynamic Approach

• Focus on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping behavior and mental health
• Emphasizes defense mechanisms, repression, and the structure of personality
• Developed by Sigmund Freud

Social-Cultural Approach

• Focus on social and cultural factors shaping behavior and mental processes
• Examines cultural norms, values, and social institutions influencing human behavior
• Emphasizes social context in understanding human psychology