Research Methods in Behavioural Sciences PDF

RESEARCH METHODS IN BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES LCM-CERT. TEACHING METHODOLOGYBA PSY, MSc CNPSY OBJECTIVES BY THE END OF THE LESSON, STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO: 1. DEFINE RESEARCH 2. DESCRIBE ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH 3. EXPLAIN RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY 4. OUTLINE VARIOUS RESEARCH METHODS USED What is rese...

RESEARCH METHODS IN BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES LCM-CERT. TEACHING METHODOLOGYBA PSY, MSc CNPSY OBJECTIVES BY THE END OF THE LESSON, STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO: 1. DEFINE RESEARCH 2. DESCRIBE ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH 3. EXPLAIN RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY 4. OUTLINE VARIOUS RESEARCH METHODS USED What is research? Research is the scientific study of complex problems or phenomenon aimed at answering specific questions using approved scientific processes. Begins with desire to understand something better or answering questions such as why, how, where and when certain things occur. For example desire to understand why people smoke. These questions can be stated as a tastable statement or proposition known as a hypothesis. This statement is broken down into specific areas known as operational definition that clearly outline what the research focuses on. Operational definitions are further broken down to variables or factors or characteristics that can be measured to answer the research question. What is research? continued It also involves the collection of data that supports one’s hypothesis. Data collected must meet the following qualities: 1. Reliability- this refers to the consistency of obtaining the results every time the data collection method is used in similar studies or environments. 2. Validity- this is the degree to which the items or constructs in the data collection tool accurately answers the research question. The evidence or results obtained are then compared against existing understanding or theory. Theory is defined as an integrated set of propositions used to explain certain phenomena including behaviour and mental processes. ( essentials of psychology) Research methods- naturalistic observations This is defined as the way of watching or viewing behaviour without interfering from its natural environment. Used when other research methods can change the behaviour of those being observed, for example observing how many teaspoon of sugar a person puts in their tea gives truthful results than asking a person how many teaspoons of sugar they put in their tea. Limitations of naturalistic observations Takes a long time to be done as people must begin to view the researcher as part of the group. Requires the researcher to be well trained in observational techniques and reporting methods. Results obtained cannot be generalized to the general population and does not allow the researcher to say for sure what is causing the observed behaviour. Case studies/ in-depth studies This is a research method used to study rare or new phenomenon or behaviours particular to certain individuals, groups or situations. It involves evaluation or examination of information from various sources such as tests, interviews, school reports, medical records or other written records. Provides valuable information that allows further research and can act as the foundation for testing new treatments and training programs. Limitations include: 1. Results can not be generalized 2. May contain only important information to the researcher. Surveys This is a research method that targets a lot of people and is representative of all the types of people found in a particular environment. It involves the use of interviews and questionnaires. Leads to obtaining of descriptive data for that population Responses might be influenced by the phrasing of the questions Accuracy depends on asking the right people and the right questions at the right time. Correlational studies This research method is aimed at finding out the relationship between research variables. It gives detailed description of data, testing of predictions, evaluation of theories and suggesting of new hypothesis using statistical methods. This method also shows the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables. There are two types or relationships: 1. Positive correlation- when one variable/ factor increases or decreases the other follows in the same direction. 2. Negative correlation- the variables move in opposite directions. When one increases the other decreases. For example tough increase in frequency of punishments producing very rebellious pupils. Correlational studies- continued The strength and direction of the relationship is depicted by a number called a correlation-coefficient which ranges from 1.00 to.00.00 means no relationship 1.00 means high relationship Direction of the relationship is shown by putting either a +/- at the beginning of the coefficient e.g. +1.00 or -1.00 This method only shows direction and strength of the relationship not cause of the relationship. Experiments This is a research method that is aimed at identifying factors that cause something or establishing cause and effect relationship. This method requires having a baseline or control line against which other variables can be compared, It involves manipulation of some variable to see their effect on other variables Manipulated variables are called independent variables The variables that show changes when they interact with independent variables are called dependent variables. E.g. performance is a test is considered as a dependent variable whereas extra studying time is considered as an independent variable. Experiments-continued It requires controlling other potential independent variables that have the potential of influencing the behaviour of the dependent variable. Experimental methods have 2 groups in order to accurately observe the cause and effect relationship: 1. Experimental group- this is the group exposed to the independent variable 2. Control group is the group not exposed to the independent group. Any differences among the group is seen as due to the intervention or exposure to the independent variable. Requires guarding against human nature to confirm what the researcher wants to see. Reference Bernstein I Nash.2014. Essentials of Psychology. Houghton Mifflin company. Boston