STUDY METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - PSYCHOLOGY

The methods of study in psychology are the ways in which social science researchers in this develop their knowledge of human behavior and mind. All of them are based on the scientific method; and the use of one or the other depends on the situation and the specific subject of study at each moment.

Most of these study methods are derived from other sciences, both natural and social. Thus, for example, the experimental model was first used in disciplines such as physics or chemistry. On the other hand, the observation comes directly from ethology; and statistical methods are used very often in sociology and anthropology.

Twin study is one of the methods used in psychology. Source: pixabay.com

Despite this, some of the study methods in psychology are specific to this discipline, and are hardly used in any other. For example, structured interviews and case studies are some of the most typical, and they have helped greatly advance our understanding of human behavior.

In this article we will study the existing types of study methods in psychology. In addition, we will see the main advantages and disadvantages of each of them, as well as for which cases they are most suitable.

The phenomena related to human behavior and the functioning of our mind are very complex. Due to this, it is necessary to use different methods that allow us to know small parts of them. In this way, researchers can gradually assemble the puzzle of our psychology.

Main methods of study and research in psychology

Interviews

The interview is a method used especially in the clinical field of psychology. It consists of an interaction that takes place between a specialist and a patient, in which information is exchanged focused on a certain context.

One of the advantages of the psychological interview is that on many occasions elements arise that would not come to light under other conditions.

The specialist should guide the conversation in such a way that it fosters these moments of revelation, thanks to which they will be able to obtain relevant information about the current situation of the patient and the implications of their emotions and feelings.

The psychological interview seeks to explain the most essential reasons for the patients' behaviors. For this they can ask closed or open questions; usually both are applied, depending on when in the interview each type is the most appropriate.

Especially when faced with open questions, the patient has the possibility of controlling the course of the conversation to a certain extent; but ultimately, the specialist will always be the one to guide the conversation.

Meta-analysis

Source: pexels.com

Through meta-analysis we seek to synthesize research related to an area of knowledge; in this case, with psychology. The purpose of the meta-analysis is to compile the conclusions obtained in different investigations using statistical tools.

One of the great advantages of meta-analysis is that it allows extrapolating the results associated with a phenomenon to much larger populations with similar characteristics. Likewise, it is easier to determine and correct the weaknesses that may exist within each study.

Experiment

The type of research that provides the most reliable data is the experiment. It is the one that is most based on the traditional scientific method, derived from disciplines such as chemistry or physics. It is based on the control of all possible variables except two, those known as the "independent variable" and "dependent variable."

In one experiment, researchers randomly select a relatively large number of people from a representative sample of the general population. In this way, any result derived from the study will have to do exclusively with the independent variable, and not with characteristics of the participants.

The researchers then divide the participants into two or more groups. Each of them is assigned to a condition of the independent variable. Finally, the differences in the results of the dependent variable are observed, and it is checked whether they are statistically significant.

For example, a researcher who wanted to test the effect of different types of music on job performance could randomly take 500 employees of a large company and divide them into two groups. Both would have to work in identical conditions, except that one of them would listen to classical music, and the other, rock.

In this fictitious experiment, any difference between the performance of both groups would have to be due to the type of music listened to, since the rest of the conditions of the situation would be identical for all.

Field experiment

Through the field experiment, it is possible for researchers to manipulate some of the variables that are being studied without the subjects being aware of it.

The idea that individuals do not know about the changes in the variables responds to the fact that they should not be predisposed to these variations; In this way, it is possible to appreciate the real influence that these modified variables have on the people who participate in the research.

These types of studies are carried out outside the laboratory. In fact, the setting of the experiment will vary depending on the objectives of the investigation.

Despite the fact that in these experiments it is possible to manipulate the variables, it is also true that there is much less control of all the factors involved, due to the fact that laboratory actions are not carried out.

In some cases, those who participate in a field experiment are not aware that they are part of an investigation, which allows a fairly faithful approximation to the incidence of the variables on their behaviors. This guarantees a more natural development of the actors in the given situation.

Group comparison

Group comparison designs, as their name suggests, are characterized by designing a study in which the results between two groups are compared. Within each group, a series of elements (independent variables) are modified in order to observe how these affect the study objective (dependent variables).

Within the comparison of groups, different experimental designs can be constituted. The main ones are:

Univariate strategy: when a single independent variable is used that measures the effect on the dependent variable.
Multivariate strategy: when two or more independent variables are used and their effect on the dependent variable.
One-factor strategy: when only one independent variable is manipulated, which becomes operational in a certain number of values or levels. These values generate the same number of experimental conditions to apply to the study subjects.
Factorial design: when two or more independent variables are handled simultaneously and provide information not only on the specific effects of each of the variables.
Intersubject design: when different groups of subjects are subjected to different experimental conditions. This strategy makes it possible to compare the measures of the dependent variables and assess the effect of the independent variable.
Intrasubject design: when each subject of the experiment acts as a control or reference of himself. In this way, each of the subjects provides a series of records or observations that correspond to the different levels of the independent variable.
Complete randomization design: when the subjects are assigned to the experimental conditions in a random way. The data source is always a representative sample of the group of subjects it represents.
Restricted design: when blocking techniques are used when assigning subjects to groups.

Only case

Single case designs are characterized by evaluating a single subject. They may present a component of interruption as a consequence of the application of psychological treatment.

This type of experimental method evaluates the change generated by the application of a given intervention in a person. The basics of single case designs are:

The temporal component of the intervention is evaluated.
The interruption made by the intervention is evaluated.
A successive record is carried out over time of the behaviors of a case before, during and in some cases, after the withdrawal of treatment.

Pilot study

Pilot studies are characterized by being essentially exploratory. This method is often used prior to conducting a more in-depth experiment.

Thanks to the pilot studies, it is possible to guide an investigation, since it can provide a greater basis for possible hypotheses that can later be verified in a larger study.

Few variables are considered in a pilot study and there is not too strict a control over them. However, it is worth noting that this study method has validity and seriousness: it is not incorrect because it is exploratory, it is only considered incomplete.

Some specialists prefer not to use pilot studies, but rather to focus their efforts as soon as possible on the central problem. However, conducting pilot studies can help provide a more serious foundation for the hypotheses that have been raised.

It may happen that in the middle of an investigation of another type there is some fault with the variables considered; in that case, said study can be considered as a pilot study, which implies that the observations will be carried out later, but with the information collected in the pilot study.

Quasi-experimental method

The quasi-experimental method constitutes a research method that aims to promote the study of problems of social and professional relevance.

The aspects that are studied through this method are not transferable to the laboratory but require to be examined through controlled procedures.

It shares with the experimental method the evaluation of the effects of a specific variable on another variable of interest but it differs through the absence of random assignments in the experimental groups.

Study with twins

This type of study is carried out especially to identify the influences that the environmental and genetic fields may have on people's behaviors. The study with twins is the most efficient methodology to delve into the genetic implications in various aspects of individuals.

These studies consider the comparison between monozygotic twins (those whose origin is a single zygote) and dizygotic twins (those that were generated in two different zygotes). Monozygotic twins are genetically the same, while dizygotic twins share only half the genome.

Therefore, comparing them in a psychological study allows corroborating which genetic and environmental factors intervene in different scenarios, such as the phenotype, behaviors and propensity to certain diseases.

The main advantage of the study with twins is that it allows to rule out variables that may be confusing or that influence more than is desired in a specific setting. By using this method there is a fairly controlled scenario thanks to which more complete analyzes can be made.

Questionnaires

In psychology, a questionnaire is a list of questions that are intended to obtain more information about a subject or a group of subjects in relation to a given context.

All the questions in the questionnaire are interrelated; therefore this is usually perceived as a written interview.

One of the advantages of using the questionnaire is that it is not necessary for the specialist to be present while the subject fills it in; However, this can also be seen as a disadvantage, since it is very likely that relevant information will be lost, such as that related to the subject's behavior while carrying out the activity.

For this reason, questionnaires are often used when working with large populations: through this method, these subjects can be accessed more quickly and effectively. As in the case of interviews, the questions in the questionnaires can be open or closed.

Polls

Surveys make it possible to operationalize the variables that are being considered for a specific investigation. Its structure should be based on precisely chosen questions so that the information obtained responds to the questions that the specialists have posed.

Through surveys, the general feelings of a population in relation to a given issue can be inferred. They are a way to collect information in such a way that it can be analyzed from a statistical point of view.

Observation

Participant observation

The observational method is a type of research that is based on the observation of the spontaneous behavior of people in a natural context.

This type of research tries to reconcile the level of systematization and rigor to elaborate scientific knowledge with the protection of the maximum degree of realism.

Within the observational method there is direct, indirect and participant observation.

Neuroimaging

It is a technique that is used to diagnose and evaluate in the cognitive context. Thanks to images generated through CT scans, specialists can understand much better how the brain works.

From the understanding of processes of the mind, such as learning and memory, it is possible to generate effective treatments for pathologies that are related to these elements.

This method allows real-time observation of different mental processes. Thanks to this, it will also be possible to generate new lines of research.

Computer models

This type of study is used mainly by specialists in the cognitive area and the main purpose is to study mental processes.

These are computer programs that simulate mental processes, concentrating efforts on a specific segment of said processes. Scientists and computer specialists are involved in creating these models.

In these cases it starts from the conception of a theory. Subsequently, a computer prototype is created from which this approach can be confirmed or refuted.

References

"Research methods" in: Simply Psychology. Retrieved on: February 02, 2019 from Simply Psychology: simplypsychology.com.
"Research methods" in: Spark Notes. Retrieved on: February 02, 2019 from Spark Notes: sparknotes.com.
"Introduction to Psychology / Research Methods in Psychology" in: WikiBooks. Retrieved on: February 02, 2019 from WikiBooks: en.wikibooks.org.
"Psychology Research Methods Study Guide" in: VeryWell Mind. Retrieved on: February 02, 2019 from VeryWell Mind: verywellmind.com.
"List of psychological research methods" in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: February 02, 2019 from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org.

STUDY METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - PSYCHOLOGY - 2025