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DIFFERENT METHODS OF STUDY IN PSYCOLOGY

Introduction:
Psychology is both an applied and academic field that studies the human mind and
behavior. Research in psychology seeks to understand and explain thought, emotion and
behavior.
Psychology evolved out of both philosophy and biology.

Types of Method:
There are five methods of Psychology:

 CASE STUDY:

Definition:

A detailed analysis of a person or group from a social or psychological or medical point

of view.

The case study is an intense, in-depth investigation of one participant. This participant is
called a “case” and can be one person, one animal, or one group. Psychologists will study
this case (participant) in great detail, in the hopes of learning things that are generally
true.

Advantages:

One advantage of the case study is that they provide a great amount of description and
detail. Researchers can learn a lot from one case. This volume of details suggests many
future research questions to follow up in other studies. Another advantage of the case
study is that they present opportunities that researchers could not otherwise have.
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Develops analytic and problem solving skills. Allows for exploration of solutions for
complex issues. Allows student to apply new knowledge and skills

Disadvantage:

The chief disadvantage of the case study is that the results might not generalize to others.
In other words, the experiences of one person might not apply to other people. May not
see relevance to own situation. Insufficient information can lead to inappropriate results.
Not appropriate for elementary level. With a researcher observing the specimen closely,
the specimen is likely to change their behavior.

 SERVEY:

Definition:

Survey is a method of scientific investigation in which a large sample of people answers

questions about their attitudes or behavior.

Advantages:

Provides a large amount of information on large numbers of people. The survey work
requires less money. The survey work requires less time. Surveys are flexible in the sense
that a wide range of information can be collected. They can be used to study attitudes,
values, beliefs, and past behaviors. They are relatively easy to administer.

Disadvantages:

Responses may be inaccurate or may be untrue.

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If sample is nonrepresentative or biased, it may be impossible to generalize from the

result. Although the individuals chosen to participate in surveys are often randomly
sampled, errors due to nonresponse may exist

 OBSERVATION:

Definition:

Observation is either an activity consisting of receiving knowledge of the outside world

through the senses, or the recording of data using scientific instruments.

Advantages:

Observation forms the basis of any scientific enquiry. It is the primary mode of acquiring
knowledge about the environment. Through systematic observation, and a process of
induction, the investigator forms hypotheses, which are tested later by using experimental
methods.

The results obtained through any other scientific methods need to be in conformity with
the outcomes of skilled observation.

Disadvantages:

If the person who is being observed knows they are being observed they may act unusual
and give off the wrong actions, speech, thoughts and emotions as they may be nervous.
Takes a long time to prepare an observation.
A good range of sample is needed for an observation
Time consuming.
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 CO RELATONAL RESEARCH:

Definition:

A co relational research is a scientific study in which a researcher investigates

associations between variables.

Advantages:

The advantage of the co relational research method is the ability to prove a positive or
negative correlation between two subjects.
Show whether two or more variables are related. Allow general predictions.

Disadvantages:

The disadvantage of this is the unclear interpretation of cause and affect. Does not permit
identification of cause and effect.

 EXPERIMENT:

Definition:

A test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, examine
the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried. A
test or investigation, esp. one planned to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis. A
test or procedure carried out under controlled conditions to determine the validity of a
hypothesis or make a discovery.
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Advantages:

Allows researcher to control the situation. Permits researcher to identify cause and effect,
and to distinguish placebo effects from treatment effects.

Disadvantages:

Situation is artificial, and result may not generalize well to the real world. Sometimes
difficult to avoid experimenter effects.