Exploring Research Methods in Psychology

Exploring Research Methods in Psychology

Each day, more than 100,000 licensed psychologists in the United States work to unearth the mysteries of the human mind so that we may all better understand our behaviors and ourselves. A primary avenue to that understanding is psychological research.

Research allows psychologists the opportunity to ask questions about the innermost workings of the human psyche, interpret the responses they exhibit, and arrive at conclusions that enable them to improve people’s everyday lives. To do such important work efficiently and effectively, they rely on a range of research methods.

The research methods in psychology are commonly grouped into three primary classifications: correlational research, descriptive research, and experimental research. Each one is suited to a unique field of study, accounts for human complexities, and zeroes in on acute details of the brain’s inner workings. 

The Scientific Method in Psychology

Many of us learned about the scientific method—the process of developing, researching, and proving a hypothesis—early on in our education. And that’s because it is chiefly important to advancing scientific knowledge worldwide. 

Each of the three research methods in psychology is grounded in the scientific method. It allows psychology researchers to advance and improve existing notions of human psychology and build tools and strategies that help improve the lives of many. 

Psychologists rely on the standards of the scientific method to ensure: 

• Historical data and background research is collected before experimentation
• The initial research question is defined, testable, and measurable
• The hypothesis is grounded in data-backed, reasonable information 
• The experiment is designed to answer the specific question and hypothesis
• The final data can be organized into theories that help people and psychologists

Understanding Correlational Studies 

One of the research methods in psychology that is most commonly employed is the correlational method or correlational studies. This is a statistics-based, non-experimental method in which scientists seek to determine whether there is a relationship between two variables and the extent of the relationship, if it exists, without interfering with other variables. 

The correlational method leads to three possible outcomes:

• Positive correlation – The relationship between variables is considered positive when both variables move in the same direction at the same time. The variables may increase or decrease.

• Negative correlation – When the value of one variable increases as the other variable decreases, the correlation is considered negative.

• No correlation – An outcome of “no correlation” suggests that the study presented no observable relationship between the two variables. 

In many cases, the results of correlational studies are documented using what’s known as the correlation coefficient. This is a numerical value between -1.00 and +1.00 that indicates the strength of the correlation between variables. When there is no correlation between variables, the correlation coefficient is assigned a value of zero. 

Correlational research methods in psychology are often used as a baseline of understanding to gain further insight into human behavior. Many researchers start with broad correlational studies to gather information and draw connections. Then, they build upon those connections with more specific studies, as correlational studies alone do not prove causation in either direction. 

Types of Correlational Studies 

There are three distinct research methods that are often used in the service of correlational studies. 

Naturalistic Observation

Naturalistic observation involves passive observational research and documentation of the variables in their natural setting. Scientists exert no influence over the variables and don’t manipulate them in any way, which provides insight into how the variables act without intervention. 

However, there are factors that researchers must watch out for in this method, like: 

• Behavior modification by participants who are aware of being observed 
• Potential biases of the researchers involved 

Survey

Under the survey method, a random sample of participants is selected to fill out a poll, answer a questionnaire, or complete a test that reflects the subject of the study. 

Surveys are among the most common types of research methods in psychology, prized for their easy, quick, and relatively inexpensive accessibility and their ability to collect large amounts of data. Depending on the study, survey research may be conducted in person, over the phone, or online.

Regardless of the medium, however, the most effective surveys share the following characteristics: 

• A randomized group of participants 
• Clear, well-written questions
• Intuitive design and delivery   

Archival Research

When performing archival research, scientists look at a range of materials, including historical records, past studies, and case study reports related to their own research. In doing so, psychologists must understand how to interpret studies that may not adhere to the ethical standards of the present day. 

Often, psychologists must navigate studies that are incomplete or irrelevant based on modern information.

Understanding Descriptive Studies

Descriptive studies are unique among research methods in psychology because, rather than focusing on questions of why and how, they tune into questions of who, what, and where. 

In other words, descriptive studies seek to describe certain human behaviors or psychological traits and patterns without drawing conclusions about their causes. 

Descriptive studies are often conducted without a hypothesis. Instead, like some correlation studies, the results of descriptive studies often lead researchers to form a hypothesis that inspires an additional study, such as an experimental study.