Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
Short-Notes
Methods of Enquiry in Psychology: Goals
Description
The description requires recording a particular behaviour and describing it accurately so as to attain a comprehensive
understanding of the same
For example, morning habits may have a diverse range of behaviours like reading positive literature, meditation, exercise,
journaling etc.
Prediction
It is the second goal of psychological enquiry
Here we attempt to understand the relationship between the behaviour we are describing with the other types of behaviour.
Explanation
It is the third goal of psychological enquiry
It attempts to explain the causal factors of behaviour and attain an understanding of the conditions in which the
behaviour occurs or not.
Control
It is the fourth goal of psychological inquiry
It focuses on three things
o Making a particular behaviour happen
o Reducing it
o Enhancing it
Application
It is the fifth goal of psychological enquiry
focuses on bringing out a positive change in people’s lives
Steps in Conducting a Scientific Research
Conceptualizing a problem
It is the first step of conducting scientific research
The researcher selects a topic for study which is done on basis of either review of past research, observations, personal
experience
Identification of problem
It is the second step of scientific research
Development of a tentative statement about the topic takes place which is termed a hypothesis
For example, “greater is the amount of time spent by children in playing violent video games, the greater is the degree of
impatience and anger developed by them”
Collection of data
This step focuses on developing a research design or blueprint of the entire study.
Decisions are taken about the following
o Participants in the study
o Methods of study
o Tools to be used in research
o Procedure for data collection
Drawing conclusions
The next step of scientific research is to analyse data through statistical procedures
It can be achieved through measures of central tendency like mean, median, mode and graphical presentations like pie
charts, bar diagram
Revising research conclusions
The researcher revises the whole study and the hypothesis being taken is analysed thoroughly to see whether it stands true or
not
Nature of Psychological Data
Demographic information
It includes personal information like name, age, gender, education, occupation etc.
Physical information
Includes information about ecological conditions, housing conditions, size of rooms, facilities available at home, in the
neighbourhood, in the school etc.
Psychological information
The information focuses on areas like intelligence, personality, interests etc.
Different Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
Observation
It is a very powerful method of psychological enquiry
It involves the selection of a particular behaviour, recording the selected behaviour using symbols, photographs and analysis of
the recorded behaviour
Merits
Enables the researcher to study people and their behaviour.
Can provide in-depth information about behaviour to be observed
Demerits
It is time-consuming
It can be labour-intensive at times
Poor method for establishing cause and effect relationship.
