Psychological Research
It’s the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Why do we do psychological research?
Describe – What is happening?
Explain – Why is it happening?
Predict – What will happen?
Control – How can we influence or change it?
Scientific Method in Psychology
Ask a research question
Form a hypothesis – a testable prediction
Collect data – using tools like experiments, surveys, or observations
Analyze results – usually using statistics
Draw conclusions
Report findings – in a research paper or journal
Quantitative
Focus: Numbers and stats
Example: “How many hours of sleep affect test scores?”
You get measurable results: like averages, percentages, correlations.
Qualitative
Focus: Meanings, feelings, and lived experiences
Example: “How do students describe their anxiety before exams?”
Answers come from interviews, focus groups, or observations.
Descriptive
Goal: Just describe what’s happening.
Example: “What study habits do psych majors use?”
You observe and record without interfering.
Correlational
Goal: Find relationships between variables.
Example: “Is there a link between phone use and anxiety?”
❗ Does NOT prove cause and effect, only associations (e.g., A goes with B).
Experimental
Goal: Test cause and effect (does A cause B?)
You manipulate the independent variable (IV) and control other factors.
✅ Uses random assignment → you randomly put participants into groups (ex: control group vs. experimental group)
Example: Give one group a memory technique, and compare results.
Quasi-Experimental
Almost like an experiment, but without random assignment.
Example: Comparing test scores between two classes — you can’t randomly assign students to those classes.
You still compare groups, but since you didn’t randomly assign, there might be other factors affecting the results.
Nonmaleficence
Do no harm
Avoid causing physical, emotional, or psychological harm to participants.
Beneficence
Do good
Maximize the benefits of the research while minimizing risks.
Autonomy / Respect for Persons
Participants must give informed consent and have the freedom to withdraw at any time.
Justice
Fair and equal treatment in selecting and benefiting participants.
Guess the research ethics: A study on exam stress must explain its risks, get consent, avoid emotional harm (________), offer helpful coping tips (_________), and let students quit anytime (_________).
Guess the research ethics: A study on exam stress must explain its risks, get consent, avoid emotional harm (nonmaleficence), offer helpful coping tips (beneficence), and let students quit anytime (autonomy).
