Research Methods in Psychology

Research Methods in Psychology

• Psychology studies gender issues scientifically.
• The scientific method involves steps like identifying a research problem.
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to collect and analyze data.
• Qualitative methods involve non-numerical data analysis techniques, while quantitative methods involve numerical data analysis techniques.
• Quantitative research includes descriptive and experimental methods.
• Descriptive methods include surveys, correlational studies, and observations.
• Content analysis is a method of analyzing media, text, or interactions to understand themes or patterns.
• Content analysis can be used to assess the impact of media on ideas about gender.
• Archival data refers to pre-existing data from documents, records, or other sources.
• Unobtrusive measures in research involve methods of observing behavior and gathering data without the knowledge of the individuals.
• Unobtrusive measures can be helpful when direct observation is not possible or appropriate.
• Physical traces and products are examples of unobtrusive measures.
• One type of experimental research is Ex Post facto research.
• Ex Post facto research is a type of quasi-experimentation where an independent variable has occurred naturally,.
• The researcher then studies the impact of the natural event.
• Experimental research uses experimental methods to study phenomena.

Experimental Design

• An experimental design is the plan, structure, or layout of an experiment.
• The independent variable is manipulated to study its effect on the dependent variable.
• The dependent variable is measured to determine if it changes as a response to the manipulations made with the independent variable.
• A control variable is a potential factor that could influence the dependent variable that is held constant during the experiment.
• Control variables help ensure that any observed changes in the dependent variable are solely attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable.
• Experimental research aims to find cause-effect relationships.
• A typical experiment uses two groups: an experimental group and a control group.
• Experimental research has advantages in terms of control and establishing cause-effect relationships but has disadvantages concerning artificiality, ethical issues, and costs.

Types of Research Designs

• Experimental research can take the form of between-subjects design or within-subjects design.
• Between-subjects design compares an experimental group to a control group that has not received any treatment
• Within-subjects design involves same subjects that are measured in all conditions.