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Overview of Research Methods in Psychology

The document outlines three primary research methods: descriptive, correlational, and experimental. Descriptive methods include observational studies, self-reports, and case studies, which systematically describe behaviors or phenomena. Correlational methods examine relationships between variables without manipulation, while experimental methods test causal hypotheses through manipulation of independent variables and measurement of dependent variables.

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11 views2 pages

Overview of Research Methods in Psychology

The document outlines three primary research methods: descriptive, correlational, and experimental. Descriptive methods include observational studies, self-reports, and case studies, which systematically describe behaviors or phenomena. Correlational methods examine relationships between variables without manipulation, while experimental methods test causal hypotheses through manipulation of independent variables and measurement of dependent variables.

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hmgeevers
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Descriptive: A research method that provides a Correlational methods Experimental methods

systematic and objective description of what is Research methods that examine how Research methods that test causal
occurring variables are naturally related in the hypotheses by manipulating
real world. The researcher makes no independent variables and measuring
attempt to alter the variables or the effects on dependent variables
assign causation between them.

Observational studies (Descriptive) Measure two factors and then Dependent variable: The variable that is
A specific type of descriptive method involving determine the degree of association affected by the manipulation of the
systematically assessing and coding observable between the two variables. independent variable.
behavior Independent variable: The variable that
Observational studies can be used either in the Positive Correlation the experimenter manipulates to
laboratory or in natural environments. Negative Correlation examine its impact on the dependent
variable.

Self-reports (Descriptive) A descriptive method that Longitudinal: A longitudinal study is a Control group: A comparison group of
consists of obtaining self-reports from research type of correlational research study participants who receive no intervention
participants that involves looking at variables over or one unrelated to the independent
Case studies (Descriptive) an extended period of time. This variable being investigated.
Involve intensive examination of a few unique research can take place over a period Experimental group: One or more
people or organizations. of weeks, months, or even years. In treatment groups of participants who
Case studies of people with psychological disorders some cases, longitudinal studies can receive the intervention of the
are used frequently in psychology last several decades. independent variable being investigated.
A cross-sectional study involves
looking at data from a population at Random assignment
one specific point in time. ... For Random sampling
example, researchers studying
developmental psychology might
select groups of people who are
different ages but investigate them at
one point in time.

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