The Scientific Method

Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct their research. The Scientific Methodis a
standardized way of making observations, gathering data, forming theories, testing predictions,
and interpreting results.
Researchers make observations in order to describe and measure behavior. After observing
certain events repeatedly, researchers come up with a theory that explains these observations.
A Theory is an explanation that organizes separate pieces of information in a coherent way.
Researchers generally develop a theory only after they have collected a lot of evidence and
made sure their research results can be reproduced by others.

Making Research Scientific

Psychological research, like research in other fields, must meet certain criteria in order
to be considered scientific. Research must be:
 Replicable
 Falsifiable
 Precise
 Parsimonious
Research Must Be Replicable

Research is Replicable when others can repeat it and get the same results. When
psychologists report what they have found through their research, they also describe in
detail how they made their discoveries. This way, other psychologists can repeat the
research to see if they can replicate the findings.
After psychologists do their research and make sure it’s replicable, they develop a
theory and translate the theory into a precise hypothesis. A Hypothesis is a testable
prediction of what will happen given a certain set of conditions. Psychologists test a
hypothesis by using a specific research method, such as Naturalistic Observation,
a Case Study, a Survey, or an Experiment. If the test does not confirm the hypothesis,
the psychologist revises or rejects the original theory.
Experimental Research

Experimental research designs are the primary approach used to investigate causal
(cause/effect) relationships and to study the relationship between one variable and another.
This is a traditional type of research that is quantitative in nature. In short, researchers use
experimental research to compare two or more groups on one or more measures. In these
designs, one variable is manipulated to see if it has an effect on the other variable.
Experimental designs are used in this way to answer hypotheses. A hypothesis is a testable
statement that is formulated by the researcher to address a specific question. The researcher
designs an experimental study which will then support or disprove the hypothesis.

To further the discussion of experimental research in future modules, it is important to

understand the basic terminology related to experimental research. Following is a list of key
terminology:

 Independent Variable – This is the variable that will be manipulated, the “cause” or
treatment variable. This variable may be an activity or characteristic that the researcher
believes will make a difference.
 Dependent Variable – This variable is the “effect” or outcome of manipulating the
independent variable. The only constraint is that the outcome must be measurable.
 Experimental Group – The group that receives the treatment being investigated.
 Control Group – The group that remains the same in order to have something to
compare the experimental group against.

Non experimental research

Non-experimental research is the label given to a study when a researcher cannot control,
manipulate or alter the predictor variable or subjects, but instead, relies on interpretation,
observation or interactions to come to a conclusion. Typically, this means the non-experimental
researcher must rely on correlations, surveys or case studies, and cannot demonstrate a true
cause-and-effect relationship. Non-experimental research tends to have a high level of external
validity, meaning it can be generalized to a larger population.
Psychology Assignment
Jalal Mehmood
BBA 3rd Semester
ID 13871