Key Points

The primary goals are description, prediction, explanation, and control of behavior, along with the application of knowledge to solve real-world problems.

The scientific method in psychology involves four steps: conceptualizing a problem, collecting data, drawing conclusions, and revising research conclusions and theory.

A hypothesis is a tentative and testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables, which is developed after identifying a research problem.

This method involves systematically watching and recording behavior as it occurs in a natural or controlled setting. It can be participant (observer is involved) or non-participant (observer is detached).

This method establishes a cause-and-effect relationship by manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable, while controlling other factors.

The experimental group receives the treatment or manipulation of the independent variable. The control group does not and serves as a baseline for comparison.

This research method determines the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables. It helps in prediction but does not prove causation.

The correlation coefficient is a number from +1.0 to -1.0 that indicates the relationship. Positive means variables increase together, negative means one increases as the other decreases, and zero means no relationship.

This method is used to study opinions, attitudes, and social facts by collecting information through personal interviews, questionnaires, or telephone surveys.

This involves using standardized and objective instruments to measure an individual's mental or behavioral characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, or aptitude.

Reliability refers to the consistency of scores obtained by an individual on the same test on different occasions. Validity refers to whether the test measures what it claims to measure.

This is an in-depth study of a particular case, such as an individual, group, or institution. It uses multiple methods like interviews and observation to gather detailed information.

Quantitative methods use statistical procedures to analyze numerical data. Qualitative methods involve the descriptive analysis of non-numerical data, such as interview responses or field notes.

Key limitations include the lack of a true zero point in psychological measurement, the relative nature of psychological tools, and the subjective interpretation of qualitative data.

This principle states that participants must have the freedom to choose whether or not to participate in a study, without any coercion or pressure.

Participants must be given adequate information about the research before it begins so they can make a knowledgeable decision about their participation.

After a study is over, participants must be provided with complete information about the research purpose and procedures, especially if deception was used.

Researchers must protect the privacy of participants by keeping the information they provide in strict confidence and using it only for research purposes.