Module 2: 
Lecture Content – Scientific research in psychology

Topic 1: Critical thinking and research methods in psychology

Psychology as a discipline uses the scientific method, which is a systematic way of studying and understanding behavior. The use of this method is a requirement for all scientific fields. A way to use the scientific method in psychology is by identifying the questions, formulating an explanation, carrying out the investigation, and communicating the findings (Feldman et al., 2017). These instructions serve as a guide for the researcher, to then select the best research method according to their needs. A simple way to understand the concept of research methods is to ask yourself a specific question and consider the different ways to answer the question systematically and objectively (Boyd & Bee, 2019). Ask yourself, is there a specific social or psychological phenomenon you have always wondered about? Can you come up with a specific question about the phenomena? 

Most studies include a theoretical framework and a hypothesis that is tested. In such studies, the independent variable is the one that the experimenter manipulates. A variable is any idea that fluctuates and can be measured, such as gender, intelligence, perceptions, age, and many others (Howitt & Cramer, 2020). The dependent variable is measured and expected to change because of the changes generated by the experimenter’s manipulation of the independent variable. Other investigations do not require a hypothesis and use a conceptual framework instead. The research question helps define the methodology to be used. Let’s start with the basics and consider what critical thinking is and what it entails. In sum, critical thinking means to question common knowledge. Did that make sense? Consider the steps to critical thinking (see Figure 1). 

Figure 1

Critical Thinking Process

Own creation, 2022

Here is a simple example. We make decisions every day, multiple times a day. Even brushing your teeth in the morning is a decision you make. You don’t have to, but you do. Why? If you are applying your critical thinking skills to this routine decision, then you are, consciously or unconsciously, going through these steps:

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1. To brush or not to brush your teeth? (Problem)

2. You acknowledge your mouth smells bad and it is dirty (Examine the evidence)

3. Maybe no one will notice? Can I brush them later? (Assumptions/Alternatives)

4. Yeah, people will notice, and I should probably brush them (Reasons to support)

5. I should brush them; it won’t take much time and it is needed (Objectivity)

6. I need to brush my teeth to maintain oral health (Think like a scientist)

We go through a similar process for many other things we do daily. Can you think of other similar examples? The critical thinking process is like the way scientific research is conducted.

A scientific investigation requires systematic and empirical processes that can be applied to the study of a problem or phenomenon. Research methods are used to evaluate and observe, establish assumptions, provide evidence to support the arguments, and propose new ideas. Most of the research in psychology involves theory with research outcomes (Howitt & Cramer, 2020). To conduct research, there is a lot of reading involved. We will discuss this further in the module. 

Now, let’s consider the scientific method. The scientific method is designed to help the investigator in acquiring knowledge in a systematic way. 

The scientific method has four main steps: 

1.

1. Identify research questions

2. Formulate an explanation

3. Complete the investigation

4. Communicate findings

Figure 2

Steps of the Scientific Method

Own Creation, 2022

The scientific method is like a blueprint for any investigation in a scientific field of study. An observation or idea is the first step. What do you want to understand more about? Then you formulate the hypothesis, which is an assumption or prediction. You proceed to conduct the research by following the guidelines of the research method. The data refers to the information obtained, which provides the basis for drawing conclusions (Howitt & Cramer, 2020). Data can be textual or numerical depending on the research method. After the data is analyzed, the investigator reports findings. Ideally, the study is published so other experts can review the investigation and perform their own studies to see if they get the same results. The peer-review process is key to scientific advancement, and it serves as a filter for objectivity and validity.

Quantitative and qualitative research approaches

Research in psychology is usually accomplished by using quantitative methodology, qualitative methodology, or mixed methods. In mixed methods, both quantitative and qualitative approaches are used. See Figure 3 for more information.

Figure 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology

Own creation, 2022

Quantitative Approach: Uses data collection to test hypotheses based on the numerical measurement and statistical analysis to establish behavior patterns and test theories. It reflects the need to measure and estimate the magnitude of the phenomena/research problems. The researcher poses a delimited and specific study problem on the phenomenon. Once the study problem has been stated, the researcher considers what has been previously investigated (literature review) and builds a theoretical framework, from which a hypothesis is derived and tested. Data collection is based on measurement, it is analyzed with statistical methods. Correlation can be achieved with this approach, but it is very important to clarify that correlation does not equal causation. This means that just because there may be a relationship between two variables, it does not mean one causes the other. For example, a quantitative study may determine that people in a specific area eat more ice cream during the summertime when the temperature is hot. But this does not mean that summer or hot temperatures cause people to eat more ice cream. There are many other factors to consider that may influence their decision to eat ice cream, such as personal reasons, geographic location, accessibility, work/school situation, etc.

The qualitative approach: This approach is also guided by significant research areas/topics. Instead of clarity about research questions and hypotheses preceding data collection and analysis -as in quantitative, qualitative- researchers can develop questions and hypotheses before, during, or after data collection and analysis. The data collection process shapes and defines the hypothesis. Although there is certainly an initial review of the literature, this can be complemented at any stage of the study and provide further support. Sometimes it is necessary to go back to previous stages. The qualitative process is a lot more in-depth and focuses more on the quality of the experience and working closely with subjects.
In sum, these research approaches can be used to investigate phenomena such as:

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· Impact of electronic device use in children

· Knowledge of public health strategies in a specific population

· Experiences of consumers at a specific shopping mall

· Consequences of being a sexual abuse victim

· Influence of social factors in the development of a mental disorder

The research approach is usually selected based on the research problem. For example, if I wanted to know more about the overall experience of victims of domestic violence in their own words, a qualitative approach would allow me to delve deeper into the problem and their situation via interview. But if I wanted to see if there is a relationship between being a domestic violence victim and gender, then a quantitative approach would be ideal. These are just a few general examples and topics that can be studied, but there are many more. 

References:

Boyd, D. & Bee, H. (2019). 
Lifespan development. Global edition. Pearson Education Limited.
Feldman, R. S., Villagómez, A., Villaseñor, M., García, J. M. L., Ortiz, M. E., Nuñez, J. L., Palos, E., & Olivares, S. O. (2017). 
Psicología con aplicaciones de América Latina. McGraw-Hill Education.