Chapter 2: Methods of Enquiry in Psychology (Class 11 Psychology)
1. Introduction
Psychology is a science. To understand human behavior scientifically, psychologists use
systematic methods of enquiry. These methods help collect data, test hypotheses, and
understand mental processes and behaviors.
2. Goals of Psychological Enquiry
Goal Meaning
Description To describe behavior (e.g., how a child behaves in school).
Prediction To predict future behavior (e.g., stress may reduce concentration).
Explanation To understand the causes of behavior.
Control To change or control behavior.
Application To use psychological principles to solve problems (e.g., therapy).
3. Steps in Conducting a Scientific Enquiry
1. Conceptualising a Problem
→ Identify a topic/problem to study.
2. Formulating a Hypothesis
→ A testable prediction (e.g., "Sleep improves memory").
3. Collecting Data
→ Choose appropriate methods (survey, experiment, observation).
4. Analyzing Data
→ Use statistics (mean, correlation, etc.).
5. Drawing Conclusions
→ Accept/reject hypothesis, relate findings to the problem.
6. Revising Research
→ Modify hypothesis or study design if needed.
4. Types of Data
Type Description Example
Qualitative Descriptive data (interviews, case studies) A student’s life story
Quantitative Numerical data (scores, surveys) Marks in a memory test
5. Methods of Enquiry
A. Observation Method
• Directly watching behavior.
• Types:
o Naturalistic: in real setting (classroom).
o Controlled: in lab or controlled setup.
• Advantage: Real behavior.
• Limitation: Observer bias.
B. Experimental Method
• A variable is changed to see its effect.
• Terms:
o IV (Independent Variable): Manipulated by researcher.
o DV (Dependent Variable): Observed/measured.
o Control Group: No treatment.
o Experimental Group: Gets treatment.
• Precise & cause-effect.
• Artificial setting.
C. Correlational Research
• Studies the relationship between two variables.
• Example: Study time ↑ = Marks ↑ (positive correlation)
• Correlation Coefficient (r): -1 to +1.
• Predicts relation.
• Does not show cause-effect.
D. Survey Method
• Collecting information through questionnaires/interviews.
• Reach many people.
• People may lie.
E. Case Study
• Detailed info of one individual.
• Used for rare cases.
• Rich information.
• Can't generalize.
F. Interview Method
• Face-to-face questioning.
• Structured: Fixed questions.
• Unstructured: Flexible discussion.
• Deep insights.
• Time-consuming.
6. Analysis of Data
A. Descriptive Statistics
• Summarize data using:
o Mean: Average
o Median: Middle value
o Mode: Most frequent value
B. Inferential Statistics
• Draw conclusions from data.
• Generalize from sample to population.
7. Limitations of Psychological Enquiry
1. Lack of Objectivity – Observer bias.
2. Complexity of Behavior – Human behavior varies.
3. Ethical Issues – Must protect participants’ rights.
4. Measurement Difficulties – Emotions, thoughts hard to measure.
8. Ethical Issues in Psychology
• Informed Consent
• Confidentiality
• Right to Withdraw
• Debriefing
• No Harm to Participants
Mind Map: Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
sql
CopyEdit
+-------------------------------+
| Methods of Enquiry in Psy |
+-------------------------------+
/ | \
/ | \
Observation Survey Experimental
| | |
Natural / Controlled Q&A IV/DV, Groups
Case Study - Interviews
Important Terms (Glossary)
Term Meaning
Hypothesis Testable prediction
Variable Anything that can vary
Control Group No treatment group
Population Entire group under study
Sample A small part of the population
Correlation Relationship between two variables
NCERT Exercise Questions (with Easy Answers)
1. What are the goals of psychological enquiry?
Answer: The goals are:
• Describe behavior
• Predict future behavior
• Explain why behavior occurs
• Control behavior
• Apply knowledge in real life
2. You have taken a new admission in a school. Describe how you would make friends in
the class.
Answer: I would:
• Smile and greet people
• Be polite and helpful
• Participate in group activities
• Ask friendly questions
3. Describe the various steps involved in conducting a scientific enquiry.
Answer:
1. Conceptualise problem
2. Form hypothesis
3. Collect data
4. Analyze data
5. Draw conclusions
6. Revise hypothesis
Sample Questions for Practice
A. Objective Questions (1 Mark)
1. The variable that is manipulated in an experiment is called:
o a) Dependent variable
o b) Independent variable
o c) Control variable
o d) None
2. A case study method is mostly:
o a) Quantitative
o b) Statistical
o c) Qualitative
o d) Experimental
B. Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
1. What is the difference between structured and unstructured interview?
2. Give two advantages of experimental method.
C. Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)
1. Explain any four methods of enquiry in psychology with examples.
2. Describe the steps of scientific enquiry.
3. What are the ethical guidelines followed in psychological research?
Summary (Quick Revision)
• Psychology uses scientific methods to study behavior.
• Main goals: Describe, Predict, Explain, Control, Apply.
• Data: Qualitative & Quantitative.
• Methods: Observation, Experiment, Case Study, Survey, Interview.
• Ethics: No harm, Consent, Confidentiality.
• Data Analysis: Descriptive (Mean, Mode), Inferential (conclusions).
Chapter 2: Methods of Enquiry in
Psychology (Class 11 Psychology)
1. Introduction
Psychology is a science. To understand human behavior scientifically, psychologists use
systematic methods of enquiry. These methods help collect data, test hypotheses, and
understand mental processes and behaviors.
2. Goals of Psychological Enquiry
Goal Meaning
Description To describe behavior (e.g., how a child behaves in school).
Prediction To predict future behavior (e.g., stress may reduce concentration).
Explanation To understand the causes of behavior.
Goal Meaning
Control To change or control behavior.
Application To use psychological principles to solve problems (e.g., therapy).
3. Steps in Conducting a Scientific Enquiry
1. Conceptualising a Problem
→ Identify a topic/problem to study.
2. Formulating a Hypothesis
→ A testable prediction (e.g., "Sleep improves memory").
3. Collecting Data
→ Choose appropriate methods (survey, experiment, observation).
4. Analyzing Data
→ Use statistics (mean, correlation, etc.).
5. Drawing Conclusions
→ Accept/reject hypothesis, relate findings to the problem.
6. Revising Research
→ Modify hypothesis or study design if needed.
4. Types of Data
Type Description Example
Qualitative Descriptive data (interviews, case studies) A student’s life story
Quantitative Numerical data (scores, surveys) Marks in a memory test
5. Methods of Enquiry
A. Observation Method
• Directly watching behavior.
• Types:
o Naturalistic: in real setting (classroom).
o Controlled: in lab or controlled setup.
• Advantage: Real behavior.
• Limitation: Observer bias.
B. Experimental Method
• A variable is changed to see its effect.
• Terms:
o IV (Independent Variable): Manipulated by researcher.
o DV (Dependent Variable): Observed/measured.
o Control Group: No treatment.
o Experimental Group: Gets treatment.
• Precise & cause-effect.
• Artificial setting.
C. Correlational Research
• Studies the relationship between two variables.
• Example: Study time ↑ = Marks ↑ (positive correlation)
• Correlation Coefficient (r): -1 to +1.
• Predicts relation.
• Does not show cause-effect.
D. Survey Method
• Collecting information through questionnaires/interviews.
• Reach many people.
• People may lie.
E. Case Study
• Detailed info of one individual.
• Used for rare cases.
• Rich information.
• Can't generalize.
F. Interview Method
• Face-to-face questioning.
• Structured: Fixed questions.
• Unstructured: Flexible discussion.
• Deep insights.
• Time-consuming.
6. Analysis of Data
A. Descriptive Statistics
• Summarize data using:
o Mean: Average
o Median: Middle value
o Mode: Most frequent value
B. Inferential Statistics
• Draw conclusions from data.
• Generalize from sample to population.
7. Limitations of Psychological Enquiry
1. Lack of Objectivity – Observer bias.
2. Complexity of Behavior – Human behavior varies.
3. Ethical Issues – Must protect participants’ rights.
4. Measurement Difficulties – Emotions, thoughts hard to measure.
8. Ethical Issues in Psychology
• Informed Consent
• Confidentiality
• Right to Withdraw
• Debriefing
• No Harm to Participants
Mind Map: Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
sql
CopyEdit
+-------------------------------+
| Methods of Enquiry in Psy |
+-------------------------------+
/ | \
/ | \
Observation Survey Experimental
| | |
Natural / Controlled Q&A IV/DV, Groups
\
Case Study - Interviews
Important Terms (Glossary)
Term Meaning
Hypothesis Testable prediction
Variable Anything that can vary
Control Group No treatment group
Population Entire group under study
Sample A small part of the population
Correlation Relationship between two variables
NCERT Exercise Questions (with Easy Answers)
1. What are the goals of psychological enquiry?
Answer: The goals are:
• Describe behavior
• Predict future behavior
• Explain why behavior occurs
• Control behavior
• Apply knowledge in real life
2. You have taken a new admission in a school. Describe how you would make
friends in the class.
Answer: I would:
• Smile and greet people
• Be polite and helpful
• Participate in group activities
• Ask friendly questions
3. Describe the various steps involved in conducting a scientific enquiry.
Answer:
1. Conceptualise problem
2. Form hypothesis
3. Collect data
4. Analyze data
5. Draw conclusions
6. Revise hypothesis
Sample Questions for Practice
A. Objective Questions (1 Mark)
1. The variable that is manipulated in an experiment is called:
o a) Dependent variable
o b) Independent variable
o c) Control variable
o d) None
2. A case study method is mostly:
o a) Quantitative
o b) Statistical
o c) Qualitative
o d) Experimental
B. Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
1. What is the difference between structured and unstructured interview?
2. Give two advantages of experimental method.
C. Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)
1. Explain any four methods of enquiry in psychology with examples.
2. Describe the steps of scientific enquiry.
3. What are the ethical guidelines followed in psychological research?
Summary (Quick Revision)
• Psychology uses scientific methods to study behavior.
• Main goals: Describe, Predict, Explain, Control, Apply.
• Data: Qualitative & Quantitative.
• Methods: Observation, Experiment, Case Study, Survey, Interview.
• Ethics: No harm, Consent, Confidentiality.
• Data Analysis: Descriptive (Mean, Mode), Inferential (conclusions).
