Fundamentals of Research Methodology - Essay Example

? Fundamentals of Research Methodology Psychological phenomena have been studied using scientific methods over the last century, and the laws and theories developed on the basis of this research have provided invaluable information about the every-day and special experiences of individuals and groups. In order to develop psychology as a true science, it is important to follow a scientific method that requires the collection and analysis of data instead of relying on intuition and logic. Data collected through scientific methods allows a researcher to identify laws and develop theories that can improve the understanding of human psychology and to develop means to enhance the experiences of individuals. Fundamentals of Research Methodology Psychology has been defined as the science of human and animal thought, emotion and behavior (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). This definition provides insight into the subject matter of the study of Psychology (thoughts, emotions and behaviors) as well as the manner in which this material is to be examined (scientifically) in an attempt to try and understand the functioning of humans and animals. For a long time, psychology was not studied as a science but was examined using logic and intuition among other techniques (McBurney & White, 2009). This approach changed when scientific investigations were carried out in the field of psychology in the 18th and 19th centauries that yielded refutable data using techniques of analysis that were similar to those used by scientists in other fields (McBurney & White, 2009). The inexact nature of the subject matter of psychology still causes some doubts about the soundness of psychology as a science; but research keeps providing evidence that supports the scientific nature of psychology (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). A science refers to the study of a subject using empirical data that is collected in an objective manner. A science is a progressive body that keeps adding to its knowledge base, and corrects flaws in previously held notions on the basis of new data and provides tentative assumptions about the nature of things that are further assessed objectively (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010; McBurney & White, 2009). A science tries to provide adequate explanations for events by developing theory that can help predict future events and the consequences of certain actions (McBurney & White, 2009). The explanations provides by science are such that they explain the maximum number of facts with the simplest explanation possible that can be applied to a majority of situations (McBurney & White, 2009). The research conducted in psychology over the last century has tried to apply these properties of science to the investigations into psychological variables and the emphasis has been on collecting observable data that can be objectively assessed and used to develop refutable and comprehensive theories of human functioning (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). In an attempt to develop a science of psychology, research has been conducted using scientific methods of data collection and analysis. The basic framework of a scientific method starts with the identification of a problem or question about the course of events as they are observed (McBurney & White, 2009). Based on some initial observations, an assumption or hypothesis that explains the event is formulated which is then tested within specified constraints of a research design (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). These constraints are important to ensure that the study is focused on the questions being evaluated. A scientific study attempts to collect data that is as objective as possible to avoid errors in data collection and analyses this data using standardized procedures (McBurney & White, 2009). The resulting inference is used to accept or reject the hypotheses stated at the beginning of the study, and the inferences made are then used as a basis for further research (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). While research is the fields like Physics or Chemistry is conducted purely using quantitative data (numerical data), this may sometimes be inadequate in the field of psychology. Although it is reasonable to expect that laws exist in psychology that can explain and predict human behavior, and that these laws can be discovered from numerical data; it is important to account for the role of human consciousness that allows an individual to choose between alternative behaviors (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). Two persons in a similar situation may well choose different ways of responding to the situation; and the reasons for these differences cannot always be captured by numerical data. Psychology tries to understand not only what behaviors and thoughts are exhibited and when they are exhibited; but also why events occur as they do. In order to satisfy the first two questions, quantitative data may be collected that describes the frequency of the said occurrence, the relationships shared by factors and the predictability of events based on observations made (McBurney & White, 2009). But in order to explore questions pertaining to why events occur, qualitative data that describes the experiences of individuals and the reasons for their actions provides more valuable insights (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). Research using qualitative data is often believed to have compromised generalisablity due to the subjective nature of the data used (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). This is not necessarily true, and a researcher using qualitative data can use a number of techniques that enhance the value of the research carried out. In order to develop a complete understanding of psychological processes and to develop theories pertaining to these processes, it is often necessary to include conclusions drawn from studies using qualitative data as well as those using quantitative data. A theory is a set of statements that helps to explain the relationships shared by different laws of a science as well as the relationships shared by different elements (McBurney & White, 2009). The process of developing an adequate theory that provides a valid explanation of events depends heavily on the appropriate use of the scientific method to explore and establish facts and discover laws (McBurney & White, 2009). A theory helps to organize the existing knowledge about a subject so that the reasons for different events may be explained on the basis of scientific data (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). A theory provides a framework that connects the different laws and facts in order to assist in the prediction of new laws. Theory thus guides a researcher is identifying new areas of research that can add to the understanding of the phenomenon observed. Although a theory is a possible explanation that allows different laws and facts to be connected, it is important that the theory be testable. Popper emphasized the importance of testing theories and falsifying them in order to enable the development of a theory that closely resembles the true nature of the science (McBurney & White, 2009). Testing theories helps in identifying such events or facts that the theory is unable to develop (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). This provides a direction for further research that can help in improving the understanding of the science. Theories of psychology that are developed using this process can help in developing a comprehensive understanding the factors that moderate the experiences of individuals and groups and to predict responses and experiences under different circumstances (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2010). Such theories provide a scientific understanding of the human condition and allow for the development of techniques that may be trusted to enhance the quality of an individual’s experiences. References Christensen, L. B., Johnson, R. B. & Turner, L. A. (2010). Research Methods, Design, and Analysis (11th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. McBurney, D. H., & White, T. L. (2009). Research Methods (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. Read More