BELL RINGER: Analyze the political cartoon and describe the creator’s assessment of the validity of some surveys. RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLGY PRESENTED BY: THE HHS SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT GEORGIA STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE SSPFR2 Explain the research methods and the types of statistics used in the field of psychology. LEARNING TARGETS 1. Analyze and describe research methods utilized in the field of psychology. I CAN STATEMENTS 1. I can analyze and describe research methods utilized in the field of psychology. KEY VOCABULARY TERMS (Please place the following terms and names and place them on note cards or in your notebook on paper for future reference) Research Methods Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Case Study Experiment Observational Study Survey Content Analysis GEORGIA STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE SSPFR2 Explain the research methods and the types of statistics used in the field of psychology. LEARNING TARGETS 1. Analyze and describe research methods utilized in the field of psychology. I CAN STATEMENTS 1. I can analyze and describe research methods utilized in the field of psychology. KEY VOCABULARY TERMS (Please place the following terms and names and place them on note cards for future reference) Research Methods Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Case Study Experiment Observational Study Survey Content Analysis RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY There are several different research methods used in psychology. Broadly speaking, there are two distinct types: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research methodology involves the use of numerical data to make descriptions, predict outcomes, and test potential relationships between variables. RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY INTRODUCTION Qualitative research investigates the use of non-numerical data such as text, speech, video, and the like in an attempt to gain an understanding or interpretation of different phenomena, such as social or individual perceptions and behaviors. The main takeaway regarding quantitative and qualitative research is this: quantitative research deals with numbers while qualitative research relies on descriptions. Both types of research have their strengths and limitations, despite the notion among some groups that quantitative research is superior. Within the context of psychology, qualitative research is highly valued because quantitative measures cannot measure the nuance and totality of the human experience. It’s important to note that both quantitative and qualitative research methods are highly technical and rigorous. Within each of these two broad categories lie distinct methods used in psychological research. While this list is not exhaustive, we break down five of the most popular methodologies used in psychological research. QUANTITATIVE RESERACH QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ACTIVITY #1: (Quantitative Research vs. Qualitative Research Venn Diagram) 2 1 2 Case Study RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CASE STUDY Case study research falls under the qualitative branch of research methodology. Case studies involve deep inquiry into individuals, groups, communities, or events. They often combine a multimethodological approach that integrates participant interviews and unobtrusive observations. Case studies in the psychology discipline are typically conducted on specific individuals. A psychology case study most often collects salient and seminal biographical moments from a patient’s past as well as important events in the individual’s daily life that may animate maladaptive behaviors and thinking. Notable case study practitioners include Sigmund Freud, who used case studies extensively to delve into the lives of his patients to understand, diagnose, and assist them with their psychological ailments. Case studies are conducted by interviewing and observing patient behavior. The researcher describes the behavior and discusses events from the patient’s perspective. Often the interviews are unstructured and the observations are the individual going about his or her everyday life. Other sources of data may include journals, notes, photos, etc. Data is then evaluated to find common themes and interpretations. RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY: EXPERIMENT Experiment Although this is introduced as a broad kind of research that can be a component of many methods, the term here is used to denote a specific procedure. In science, experiments are the an often-used method of research, and there are certain principles involved in its employment. One is the presence of a control group. This is an individual or a group of individuals that is not manipulated. Another principle is the control of variables. That is, the experiment should be as free of extraneous data as possible. This factor enables psychologists to repeat the experiment, and that is one requirement of reliable research. There are three main types of experiments: field experiments, lab experiments, and natural experiments. Lab experiments are conducted in highly controlled settings and may or may not be conducted in a scientific laboratory. The strengths of this methodology are that these experiments are easy to replicate and allow for fastidious control of variables. Limitations include the artificial setting, which may cause unnatural reactions and potential research bias. CASE STUDY EXPERIMENT ACTIVITY #2: (Case Study vs. Experiment Venn Diagram) 3 2 3 Observational Study RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY: OBSERVATIONAL STUDY Observational study is qualitative research that can be carried out in a myriad of differing ways using nonexperimental means where behavior is simply observed systematically. The main objective of observational research is to discover variables that may impact behaviors in individuals, groups, and social constructs. The research is described as non-experimental because it occurs in a natural setting without controls. Observational research can involve mixed methods that may include multiple qualitative techniques and quantitative methods. Survey RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY: SURVEY Survey research can be both quantitative and qualitative, and it is widely used in not only psychology research but across the sciences. Respondents (those answering the questions) are sent surveys and are asked to self-report their actions, thoughts, and feelings to measure how certain variables may impact them. One of the most critical aspects of survey research is the sampling method used. Most researchers prefer large samples that are representative of the population they are studying to obtain a representative estimate of what is accurate among the population. Samples in psychology are often random and large. Content Analysis RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONTENT ANALYSIS This method of research involves analyzing large amounts of text-based data in an effort to identify meanings and thematic consistencies. It can be used in quantitative and qualitative contexts. For example, quantitative researchers may search for specific words or phrases and add them for a final count. Qualitative content analysis search more for the meaning of texts through the identification of themes in the data. Qualitative analysis of this kind relies on the practice of coding and categorizing the content to make sense of it. Researchers often use a technique known as close reading, in which phrases are turned into coded units. The text is read repeatedly until all of the texts are coded and the point of data saturation has been reached. This process is inductive analysis because no theory is being tested; rather the data is coded in an effort to see if a theory emerges. This process is known as conventional or formative analysis. OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ACTIVITY #3: Summarize the three research methods in psychology in the chart. Please indicate if the method is quantitative, qualitative or both. SURVEY CONTENT ANALYSIS GEORGIA STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE SSPFR2 Explain the research methods and the types of statistics used in the field of psychology. LEARNING TARGETS 1. Analyze and describe research methods utilized in the field of psychology. I CAN STATEMENTS 1. I can analyze and describe research methods utilized in the field of psychology. KEY VOCABULARY TERMS (Please place the following terms and names and place them on note cards for future reference) Research Methods Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Case Study Experiment Observational Study Survey Content Analysis TICKET OUT THE DOOR Select ONE of the FIVE psychological research methods and explain which one is the most effective in obtaining psychological information that is beneficial to patients.
