A psychologist’s main goal is to find out why people feel, think, and behave the way they do. Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct research to understand the way the human mind works. Scientific research is the act of “performing a methodical study in order to prove a hypothesis or answer a specific question. Finding a definitive answer is the central goal of any experimental process” (experament-resources.com, 2008-2010). Scientific research, but its very essence, must be very specific. It must follow defined and planned steps and it must follow guidelines set by the American Psychological Association. Scientific research must be extremely well organized. Even the plan for researching must be researched. It is important that scientists read through literature that has already been published on past experiments involving similar study subjects.
The scientific method is used by scientists to conduct research. Psychologists often use the scientific method to conduct research and increase the strength of a theory. The scientific method is a standardized way to gather information, form and test theories, make observations, and interpret data. The scientific method is used to avoid a conflict of interest on the part of the researchers. In other words, the scientific method protects science from being distorted from ill willed researchers.
Generally, the procedure of the scientific method has several steps. First, the scientist asks a question. Second, the scientist or scientists define the relevant terms. This prevents any confusion while conducting the experiment. Third, the researcher must choose a research method. Next, the research will begin. During the research process, statistical data will be recorded and analyzed. Last, the information collected will be published or reported in some public forum (M Plonsky, PhD, 1997-2009).
The scientific method is used by psychological researchers to study many different subjects, such as child development. When researching, the researcher must use a scientific method and model to conduct their research in order to make sure that it is unbiased. Some of these research methods include naturalistic observation, surveys, case studies, test methods, and experimental methods (M Plonsky, PhD, 1997-2009).
There are two types of data when doing research: primary and secondary. Primary data is original data that has not yet been interpreted. Primary data sources display unedited information, such as words, objects, and images that were created or caused by or during the study. This information is directly created by a person or people involved in a study or study group. Primary information has not been commented on; no opinions have been formed yet. This information has not yet been analyzed or interpreted in any way. “Depending upon the context, these may include paintings, interviews, works of fiction, research reports, sales receipts, speeches, treaties, legislation, letters, e-mails, and others” (University of Washington, 2001-2004).
Secondhand data, however, is interpreted. This information has been sifted through. Secondary data is information that has been analyzed or summarized by an outside source. In other words, the researcher is not the person who analyzes the data. Someone who does not have a vested interest in the study reviews the information and then reports their interpretation of the data. A medical review article, for example, is secondary data. “Because they are often written significantly after events by parties not directly involved but who have special expertise, they may provide historical context or critical perspectives” (University of Washington, 2001-2004).
Both primary and secondary data are extremely important to research. Statistics are what make research effective. Florence Nightingale , pioneer nurse, writer and avid statistician, said “Statistic…the most important science in the whole world: for upon it depends the practical application of every other science and of every art; the one science essential to all political and social administration, all education, all organization based upon experience, for it only gives the results of our experience” (WordPress, n.d.). Statistics play a fundamental role in research methods and interpretations. Statistics encompass aspects of research such as research plans, data collection and testing, and interpretation of the collected information.
Without statistics, psychology would still be considered an art rather than a science. Statistics are an essential tool to all scientific research, but are paramount to research in psychology. Because much of psychological research is not tangible as it would be with the research of another science, statistics are needed to prove theories. Without statistics, a behavioral theory becomes impossible to prove. A psychological theory without statistics becomes just an idea, which will quickly fade away with the next great idea.
References:
experament-resources.com. (2008-2010). Definition of research. Retrieved from http://www.experiment-resources.com/definition-of-research.html
M Plonsky, PhD. (1997-2009). Psychological Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/stat/1/expdes.htm#II
University of Washington. (2001-2004). Research 101. Retrieved from http://www.lib.washington.edu/uwill/research101/basic03.htm
Wordpress. (n.d.). PSI Psychology Tutor. Retrieved from http://psychologytutor.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/why-study-statistics-in-psychology/
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