KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
UNIT CODE: EPS 110
GROUP NUMBER:18
LECTURE: DR CECILIA MWANGI
DATE: 15TH NOVEMBER 2023

NAME REGISTRATION SIGN

NUMBER
EMMA NANGIRA E35/3935/2023
GRANVINE SHITSAMA E35/3155/2023
ODUNDO EMMANUEL E35/8176/2023
CARREN CHEPKOECH E35/8025/2023
SHADRACK MATHANU E35/3156/2023
DEBORAH MUTUA E35/8186/2023
VALDAH JUMA E35/3154/2023
STANLEY THUKU E35/3214/2023
JOHN MUIRURI E35/3255/2023
GETRUDE CHEMUTAI E35/7334/2023
Table of Contents
DIFFERENCE IN BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY..................................................................................3
BASIC RESEARCH DESIGNS AND METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH THERE ADVANTAGES
AND DISADVANTAGES.............................................................................................................................3
Correlation.....................................................................................................................................................3
Advantages.....................................................................................................................................................3
Disadvantages................................................................................................................................................4
Observation....................................................................................................................................................4
Advantages.....................................................................................................................................................4
Disadvantages................................................................................................................................................4
Case study......................................................................................................................................................4
Advantages.....................................................................................................................................................4
Disadvantages................................................................................................................................................4
Survey............................................................................................................................................................5
Advantages.....................................................................................................................................................5
Disadvantages................................................................................................................................................5
Clinical method:.............................................................................................................................................5
Advantages.....................................................................................................................................................5
Disadvantages................................................................................................................................................5
DEFENCE MECHANISM USED BY INDIVIDUALS TO COPE WITH ANXIETY................................5
DIFFERENCE IN BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is divided into multiple branches, each focusing on different aspects of human
psychology. These branches differ in their approach, meth iodides and areas of study. Here we
will discuss some of the prominent branches of psychology.
I. Counseling psychology is branch of psychology that deals with helping industries o cope
with and overcome social emotions, and personal challenges while psychiatric
psychology deals with diagnosing and preventing mental disorders and emotional distress
in individual.

II. Educational psychology is a branch that deals in educating and resolving learning and
teaching methods, focusing on ways to improve education curricula and training teachers
whereas school psychology is a branch that deals with educating and resolving learning
and emotional problems.

III. Forensic psychology is a branch that deals with application of psychological principal
and expertise to criminal justice matters on the other hand clinical psychology deals with
diagnosing and treating psychological problems including developmental disorders
substances abuse, educational problems and behavior disorders.

IV. Comparative psychological is a branch that dea.ls with scientific study of the behavior
and mental processes of non-human animals especially that relate with adaptive
significance and development of behavior whereas cross-cultural is a branch that
examines the role of culture in understanding behavior, thought and emotion. The
examiners compare nature of culture and the effect in human behavior.

V. Bio psychology is a branch that deals with application of the principles of biology to the
study of psychological, genetic and developmental mechanism of behavior in humans and
other animals. While abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology studies unusual
behavior, emotions and thought, which could possibly be understood as a mental disorder.

VI. Social psychology is a branch of psychology that is concerned with understanding the
impact of social environments of the individual whereas industrial or organization
psychology is a branch that uses psychological concepts to make the work place more
satisfying environment for both employees and management.

In conclusion, the branches of psychology differ in terms of focus, methods, and theories, but all
contribute to our understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
BASIC RESEARCH DESIGNS AND METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH THERE
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Research methods are systematic approaches employed by researchers to collect, analyze,and
interpret data in order to answer research question or test hypothesis. Each method possesses
specific advantages and disadvantages which are important to consider when selecting an
appropriate approach for particular study.

Correlation
Correlation seeks to determine whether a relationship exist between variables. It’s expressed in
terms of direction and degree.

Advantages
i. Enables us to predict one variable in relation to one another.
ii. Quantifying relationship as it provides a numerical measure of strength.
iii. It provides insight into potential risks and relationship assisting in risk
management.

Disadvantages
i. Correlation does not imply causation
ii. Correlation may be found by chance or mere coincidence leading to misleading
interpretations.
iii. Correlation coefficients may not accurately represent nonlinear relationship
between variables.

Observation
Observing whereby ongoing behavior of individuals is recorded with as little interaction
between the observes and subjects as possible.

Advantages
i. Facilitates observation to subjects in their natural settings.
ii. Developments can be observed in various stage.
iii. Researcher does not impose himself on the subject.

Disadvantages
i. There are ethical problems if consent is not obtained
ii. May be time consuming
iii. Does not allow for experimental control

Case study
Case study is in a depth study of an individual, a group or an institution. A case study is
frequently used when there is a new phenomenon about which not much is known or very rare
events in which few subjects can be found.
Advantages
i. They offer useful in-depth information.
ii. Useful in exploring behavior.
iii. The researcher is free to explore avenues of inquiry that arise during the study.

Disadvantages
i. Its time consuming
ii. Can be quite costly
iii. Subject drop out may occur if the study is carried out over an extended period.

Survey
Survey is where researchers use questionnaires or interviews to gather into about specific aspects
of participants behavior.

Advantages
i. Surveys are a relatively inexpensive way to collected a lot of data fairly quickly.
ii. They provide data that can be used to formulate a test a hypothesis.
iii. Surveys are often used to obtain into on aspect of behavior that are difficult to observe.

Disadvantages
i. Depend on self-report data intentional deception can distort participants verbal reports
about their behavior.
ii. Its value is limited by what people are capable of reporting accurately

Clinical method:
Clinical method involves a researcher and a subject at a time.

Advantages
i. Questions can be individualized for each other.
ii. Facilitates a detailed information.
iii. It aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment in patient data.

Disadvantages
i. Conclusions arrived at depend on the interviews question’s ability.
ii. Research obtained may require verification by other researchers
iii. Findings are often specific to individual patient and cannot generalize a broad population
In conclusion,the research method used in study plays a crucial role in determining the quality
and reliability of findings.

DEFENCE MECHANISM USED BY INDIVIDUALS TO COPE WITH ANXIETY

Individuals employ various defense mechanism to cope with anxiety which are psychological
strategies that help protect the mind from overwhelming feelings. Some common defense
mechanism include:

Denial: Refusing to acknowledge the source of anxiety or its implications

Projection: Attributing one’s own anxiety -provoking thoughts or feelings to someone else.

Rationalization: Creating logical explanations to justify or make anxiety-inducing behaviors or

situations seem more acceptable.

Regression: Reverting to childlike behavior to seek comfort or escape from anxiety.

Suppression: pushing anxious thoughts or feeling out of consciousness to deal with them at a
later time.

Displacement: Redirecting anxiety from its original source to a less threatening target.

Sublimation: Channeling anxiety into more socially acceptable or productive activities like
exercise or art.

Intellectualization: Over analyzing to distance one’s self emotionally from it.

Humor: Using humor to enlighten mood and reduce anxiety.

Withdrawal: Isolating oneself anxiety provoking situations or people.

In conclusion, defence mechanism are psychological strategies individuals employ to cope with
anxiety. The choice of defence mechanism depends on individual traits, environmental factors,
and the specific anxiety situation.

EFFECTIVE STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES USED BY INDIVIDUALS

Individuals use many techniques to manage stress. The various techniques include:
Regular exercise: physical activity helps to release stress relieving endorphins, improve mood
and promote relaxation.
Deep breathing and meditation: diaphragmatic breathing and box breathing can help to calm the
mind and reduce physiological symptoms of stress.

Time management: prioritizing tasks and creating a schedule can help individuals feel more in
control of their time, reducing stress related to deadlines and overwhelm.

Setting boundaries: learning to say no and setting limits on commitments can help individuals
avoid taking on too much and feel overwhelmed.

Healthy diet: eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
lean proteins can help support overall physical and mental wellbeing, reduce stress.

Adequate sleep: getting enough sleep is essential for managing stress. Establishing a consistent
sleep routine and creating a relaxing sleep environment can promote quality sleep and help
reduce stress.

Social support: seeking support from friends, family, or participating in support groups can
provide individuals

Time for hobbies and leisure activities: engaging in activities that individuals enjoy can provide a
break from stressors and promote relaxation and enjoyment.

Seeking professional help: in more severe cases, it may be beneficial to seek help from a
therapist or counselor who can provide additional guidance and can provide additional guidance
and support in managing stress.

In conclusion,there are several effective stress management techniques that individuals can use to
effectively cope with to reduce stress.
COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES
References on question 1
1. Smith, J. A., R. B.(2018). Exploring Psychological Branches: An In Depth Analysis.Academic
Press.
2. Johnson ,R. (2021, June 15). Understanding Differences in Psychological Branches.
3. Cherry, K. (2020). What are the major branches of psychology? Verywell Mind.
4. McLeod, S. (2020). Branches of psychology. Simply Psychology. Retrieved from
5. McLeod, S. (2018). The different branches of psychology. In S. McLeod (Ed.), A-Level
Psychology Explanations Workbook.
References on question 2
1. Smith, J. D., & Johnson, A. B. (2018). Examining the relationship between self-esteem and
academic achievement among high school students. Journal of Educational Psychology.
2. Brown, E. F., & Davis, C. R. (2019). Assessing consumer perception of a new product
through a survey-based study. Journal of Consumer Research.
3. Roberts, M. H., & Green, S. J. (2017). Exploring the lived experiences of individuals
managing chronic pain: A qualitative case study. Pain Management Nursing.
4. Williams, L. N., & Smith, P. Q. (2016). Examining classroom dynamics through systematic
classroom observation. Journal of Educational Psychology.
5. Johnson, R. L., & Brown, K. M. (2018). Applying cognitive-behavioral therapy in the
treatment of anxiety disorders: A clinical case study. Journal of Anxiety Disorders.
References on question 3a
1.Antony, M. M., & Swinson, R. P. (2018). The shyness and social anxiety workbook: Proven,
step-by-step techniques for overcoming your fear (3rd ed.). New Harbinger Publications.
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6. Leahy, R. L. (2017). The worry cure: Seven steps to stop worry from stopping you. Harmony.
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References on question 3b
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