ACADEMIC REPORT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

The main aim of this report is to give my knowledge about psychology research’s methodology,
its scientific methods, its approaches and the ethical guidelines that must be followed to have a
valid and credible study.
1.) Scientific methodology: this in simpler term is also referred to as scientific methods used
in research to provide factual and undeniable evidences that either validates or negates
the pre meditated hypotheses. Given that cognitive presumptions might skew how one
understands the observation, it requires careful observation and the use of strong
skepticism regarding what is observed. It entails creating hypotheses through induction
based on such observations, testing their testability through experimental analysis and
measurement-based statistical testing of the conclusions drawn from the hypotheses, and
then revising (or removing) the hypotheses in light of the experimental results. These are
the guiding principles of the scientific process, not a set of steps that must be followed in
every instance for all scientific endeavors. Despite the fact that methods differ in fields of
study, the fundamental process is typically the same. Making conjectures (hypothetical
explanations), drawing predictions from the hypotheses as logical consequences, and then
conducting tests or making empirical observations based on those predictions are all steps
in the scientific method. (Peirce 1908)
As other field of study, the methods used in psychological research involves certain steps
which includes; observation, formulation of an hypotheses through asking of questions,
testing the hypotheses- two types of research are utilized to evaluate the hypothesis by
gathering data: a descriptive study or an experimental study. The data must be examined
after the researcher has gathered the data and produced the study. Then, based on
statistically significant data, inferences are derived from their findings. (Cherry. k. 2020)
The last step is to report the result/ findings of the research work.
The use of unbiased procedures is required by the scientific process. Research aims to
confirm earlier conclusions. Therefore, findings from studies that have been disclosed
and changes to enlightened findings support adjustment by the expertise of other
scientists.

2.) Research methods commonly used by psychologists

The aim and objective of psychological research is to study and evaluate the human
behavior and psychologists have over the years devised means and methods to
accomplish this task in the best possible way and the methods used are either
experimental or non-experimental. This type of research method used is largely
dependent on the objectives of the research, the researcher, the available and most
feasible option. The two methods are expatiated below.
 Experimental method: the experimental methods of psychological research used
by psychologists includes the field work and the laboratory research and other
numerous research techniques are employed by psychologists. Of the options, the
laboratory experiment, which is the most popular approach allows psychologists
 to exclude one factor while assessing another using controlled instruments. The
psychologist determines the experiment's location, timing, volunteers, and other
details by following a predetermined protocol. The laboratory experiment is one
kind of experimental technique used to test a theory; it is a quantitative technique,
meaning results of the research are measurable and statistics are graphically
assessed.
Strengths and weaknesses
One of the major weaknesses of the laboratory approach of the experimental
research is its possible inability to give the accurate real-life measurement of the
actions and reactions of the participants included in the research. (Dixon 2019)
however, the strength of the laboratory method is its replicative ability.
 Non-experimental method: this approach of research involves asking questions
either verbally or through questionnaire or by using checklist. The questionnaire
is a standardized and well outlined printed questions that is given to every
participant that is participating in the research. The goal is to have an objective
perception of the realities of the participants. In order to collect significant
amounts of data, a questionnaire must be straightforward and devoid of an
excessive number of questions. Open-ended, closed-ended, or task-based are the
three possible types. It is among the least expensive methods for quantifying and
analyzing data. The questionnaires give off an appearance of sincerity.
Strengths and weaknesses
Due to the inconsistency with a standardized procedure, the non-experimental
methods are largely irreplicable even within the same participants. (Price 2015)
However, they help the psychologist to have a quick overview of the participants
without being invasive or having to commit extra funds into the research.

3.) In psychology there are five major approaches to the evaluation of a particular situation
and they are the behavioral, the biological, the humanistic, the cognitive and the
psychodynamic. In discussing Luke’s situation, we will be using two approaches which
are the behavioral and the psychodynamic approach:
4.)
The behavioral approach: The behaviorist philosophy holds that all behaviors, whether
acquired either directly or indirectly, are learned. Behavior is shaped by prior
experiences, and it is possible to change behavior through learning. Stimuli help people
acquire new behaviors. Classical Conditioning is a simple example of behaviorism. The
experiment "Pavlov's Dog" by Ian Pavlov (1902) serves as an illustration of this
conditioning. Direct behaviorism also includes operant conditioning. The 1948
experiment "Skinner's Box" by B.F. Skinner is a prime example of operant conditioning.
Positive reward will result in a behavior being repeated in operant conditioning. The
practice of social learning is a subset of behaviorism. The "Bobo Doll Study," conducted
by Bandura et al. in 1963, looked at children's reactions to role models they were
observing. It was discovered that the kids will copy their hero. At the age of 13,
Luke may have developed his violent behavior as a result of social learning either
 through schooling, environmental interactions or through the social media.  If a role
model had displayed aggressive behavior and the behavior had gone unpunished, Luke
might have seen that and decided that imitating that behavior was appropriate. According
to operant conditioning, it's conceivable that when Luke acts aggressively, he attracts
attention from others, including his mother especially if he has been deprived of
sufficient attention prior to the behavioral changes. When Luke is not being aggressive or
acting appropriately, he might not draw as much attention since he sees it as positive
reinforcement. (Benson, 1998). The behavioral approach has the capability to adequately
observe, analyze and measure the behavior of an individual within a real-life context.
(Davis 2019) although the major inadequacy of this approach is the use of animal
specimen to study the behavioral pattern of humans especially in a controlled laboratory.

The psychodynamic approach: The psychodynamic theory, developed by Sigmund

Freud (1856–1939), proposes that subconsciously held beliefs and emotions control
human behavior. Luke's own actions might be explained by his incapacity to understand
what really is taking place. According to Freud's theories, our personality is made up of
the id, ego, and superego, three different parts of our psyche. McLeod (2018) Luke would
be regarded as having a good mental state if all three of these components were
functioning properly. According to Freud's views, a child's id may grow more powerful if
it is over satiated while it is still developing. They could therefore be more likely to act
selfishly as a result of outbursts related to their basic and base needs. (Course Hero
2019) Luke's violent outbursts could be enjoyable to his unconscious psyche. The fact
that this strategy considers both arguments for and against nature vs. nurture is one of its
advantages. According to Freud, our personalities as adults are a combination of our
innate drives and instincts, our early experiences, and the way our parents or guardians
raised us. While the biological viewpoint considers potential genetic influences, and the
behavioral approach focus more on the actions done, the psychodynamic theory and
technique do not. (McLeod, 2020)

5.) The Pygmalion effect by Rosenthal and Jacobson in1968

According to the Pygmalion effect, bigger expectations result in better performance and
outcomes. A study was undertaken by Rosenthal and Jacobson in 1968 to test their
hypothesis that expectations from other people can have a positive or negative impact on
reality. Their research's goal was to ascertain whether teachers' encouragement of their
pupils' performance affected and improved it. This study's sections that lacked ethics
suffered. Students that took part in the study were unable to give their consent since they
were not fully aware of their involvement. Despite the fact that the study's findings were
favorable, it nonetheless violates ethical standards. As investigators review students'
grades, their private details are also disclosed without their agreement. If Rosenthal and
Jacobson wanted their study to be more ethical, they could have thought about explaining
to volunteers what the study's goals and procedures would be. They would have been able
to decide clearly whether they wanted to participate or not if this had happened. The
 openness of an experiment's techniques is what gives it validity. Through this openness,
the participating pupils would have been able to comprehend what they can expect, the
possible consequences involved, and how these things might affect their feelings and
their future expectations. Psychologists must abide by ethical standards established by the
British Psychological Society (BPS) when performing any type of research. The dignity
and freedom of participants are of the paramount importance, and extra efforts must be
made to guarantee that they are protected from any possible danger. It is also crucial to
remember that everyone should have the freedom to leave any study at any point. (The
British Psychological Society 2020)
For more clarity, the ethical guidelines for psychological researches include;
 All participant in the study must be well informed about all the details of the
study and the possible consequences of participating and as a result, informed
consent must be gotten from the participant or from their significant other in case
the individual is not able to give consent.
 The participant must be given a free choice of entry and exit from the study. And
the exit can be at any point within the study.
 The psychologist must be plain to the participants and without deception in
carrying out the study.
 The participants privacy must be well respected and any boundaries spelled out by
the participant must be put into consideration and well respected especially in an
observational study
 The researcher and the participant must be as confidential as possible in other to
ascertain the credibility and validity of the experiment. The personal information
of the participants must be protected also.
 Every participant must be well protected from any form of physical or
psychological harm and as a result of this, there must be provision of protective
equipment for the participants and clear instructions and advice must be giving to
the participants in other to prevent danger.
The reason for the ethical guidelines is to ensure that no one is violated or forcefully made to be
part of study against their wish and also to protect the dignity, health, information of the
individuals.
Conclusion
Psychology research being scientific and also being a study that involves humans have proven
that as important has the final results are the means to getting the results. Following the ethical
guidelines in correspondence to the scientific approach of conducting psychology research
reduces the margin of error and unethical work.
Recommendation
With more understanding of a matter like the ethical guidelines, more valid studies would be
done and therefore, psychologists should be taught well about the ethical standpoint as much as
the methodology and science of psychology.
 REFERENCES
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