FIELD METHODS IN

PSYCHOLOGY

FILD 311
 Introduction to Field Methods in Psychology

THESIS- substantial research project, should

draw an original conclusion based on
information derived from research
Some Psychology students are fascinated
with research process and intend to become
PRODUCERS of research
There are others who are CONSUMERS of
research information
In practice, many psychologists engage in
BOTH roles
Major Paradigm in A paradigm is a way of looking at the
Research:
world. It is composed of certain
A Brief History of
Research philosophical assumptions that guide
and direct thinking and action
 Labels Commonly Associated With Different Paradigms

A. Post Positivism- observation is fallible and has an error; theory is revisable

Ex. Experimental, Quasi-experimental, Correlational, Quantitative

B. Constructivist- constructions/meanings about broad concepts

Ex. Naturalistic, Phenomenological, Symbolic Interaction, Ethnographic, Qualitative,

Participatory action research

C. Transformative-new ideas or concepts=new paradigm

Ex. Critical theory, indigenous, human rights, feminist theories, participatory

D. Pragmatic= mixed methods

Ex. Mixed theories, mixed models, participatory

Model of Scientific Research in Psychology
 What is a Psychological Research?

ü Research is an attempt to understand the world in general.

ü An attempt to understand human experiences of themselves and the

world.

ü Systematic development & testing of theory about human behaviour

& mental events

ü Disciplined inquiry into human feelings, behaviours, thinking, etc.

 NATURE & CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

1.Systematic- procedure to follow

2.Controlled- carefully prepared and measured
3.Empirical- need to gather factual data w/c can be scrutinized
and tested
4. An inquiry- process that investigates or searches for problems,
solutions, etc. with reliable knowledge
5. About solving problems- find answers to varied problems
6. Adherence to a method- concerned by the process how
findings are arrived
7. Concentrates on specific subject/topic
RESEARCH TIPS

TIP No. 1: RESEARCH IS A LANGUAGE

vResearch is a language

vLearn key terms / concepts

vUndergraduate study, is about acquiring the language skills to

access and make sense of recorded research knowledge
RESEARCH TIPS

TIP No. 2: RESEARCH INVOLVED SKILLED USE OF TOOLS

vBased from your desired topic of choice

vChoose which is fitted!

vSelect from the available resources

RESEARCH TIPS

TIP No. 3: RESEARCH IS A WAY OF THINKING

vResearchers need to acknowledge & understand the limits of intuition &

common sense

vPhilosophy of science

vThe scientific attitude

vThe scientific method

RESEARCH TIPS

TIP No. 4: RESEARCH IS A HOLISTIC EXERCISE

v Holistic yet involves Many Parts

v Creative yet Disciplined

v Goal-driven yet Open

v Individual yet Social

v Intellectual yet Physical

v Cyclical yet Project-Oriented

RESEARCH TIPS

TIP No. 5: PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH IS A RECENT PHENOMENON

vMuch still to be discovered - prospects for considerable growth

& opportunity.

(e.g., due to technology, incredible new research possibilities are becoming

available)
RESEARCH TIPS

TIP No. 6: THEORY IS THE ENGINE OF RESEARCH

v Theory refers to a specific set of assumptions and principles about a

phenomenon.

v Derive hypotheses (or guesses / predictions)

v Systematically test in various conditions in order to determine the

utility of the theory