Section 1.4 Research Methods

Section 1.4 Research Methods

With understanding that Psychology is a science and follows specific guidelines and ethics when conducting research, it is important to know that there are also different methods used by Psychologists to answer different questions. There are four main types of research methods: Experimental, Descriptive, Correlational, and Biological Research. Understanding the key differences and applications of these methods will give you a better idea of how different research is done in our society.

But, researchers are not left to do whatever they want when they conduct research. In order to make sure that the research is valid, there are several safeguards in place to ensure there is no bias by the researcher or participant in a study. For example, a “double blind” procedure encompasses neither the subject nor researcher to have any undue influence on the results.

 With a greater appreciation of these methods and safeguards, you’ll understand how Psychologists can make the following assertions:

• Violent Television viewing can lead to aggressive behaviour in children (Experiment)
• The more you study, the better your marks in class (Correlation)
• On average, teens say “That’s not fair” (in some form or another) 85 times a day (Descriptive)
• While you are dreaming (REM Sleep) your brain is very active, but the rest of your body is virtually paralyzed (Biological)

Please read pages 21-39 of your text