5.1 - Principles of Scientific Enquiry
The principles of scientific research in psychology
Scientific research in psychology is grounded in systematic methods to explore human behaviour and mental processes.
Core principles guiding psychological research
- Cause and effect relationships - Experimental research seeks to identify how one factor influences another by altering a specific element (known as the independent variable) and observing the resulting change in another element (known as the dependent variable).
- Replicability - A study's findings are considered valid only if they can be reproduced by repeating the original procedure under identical conditions.
- Objectivity - Researchers must maintain an unbiased perspective, free from personal opinions or external influences, to ensure that different investigators interpret results in the same way.
- Quantifiable measurements - Behaviour and outcomes are recorded numerically whenever possible to simplify analysis and comparison.
Key scientific methods used in psychological studies
Psychology employs specific scientific methods to formulate and test ideas about behaviour.
Approaches to developing and testing theories
- Induction - This method involves observing patterns or behaviours to create testable hypotheses, which are then developed into theories.
- Deduction - Starting with an existing theory, this approach develops specific hypotheses that can be tested to see the extent to which they hold true.
- Manipulation of variables - Researchers change the independent variable in an experiment to observe its impact on the dependent variable.
The importance of control and standardisation in experiments
For psychological experiments to produce valid and comparable results, strict control over variables and procedures is essential.
Ensuring reliability in experimental design
- Control - Researchers regulate or keep certain variables constant to isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
- Standardisation - All participants in a study must experience identical procedures, conditions, and instructions so performances are comparable.
The role of hypothesis testing and falsification in developing theories
Hypotheses are central to the scientific process in psychology, providing a starting point for investigation.
Processes for validating psychological theories
- Hypothesis testing - Once a theory is proposed, a specific hypothesis is formulated and tested through empirical research. This involves collecting, analysing, and evaluating data.
- Falsification - A key aspect of scientific progress is the ability to show that a hypothesis is false.
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