Three Psychological Research Methods

Methods used in psychological research are used to obtain quantitative or qualitative data. Quantitative data is more often than not derived from methods such as experiments and statistics analysing data using surveys, questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative data tends not to be aimed at finding exact measurements in its findings, but is more concerned with evidence collection and analysis through practices such as observation and ethnography (using observations through involvement in activities over a period of time) (Brownlow 2011).

Psychologists look for explanations for human behaviour; they reach conclusions through research processes which attempt to explain or even predict said behaviour. Researchers strive to obtain facts and discover ‘what’ and ‘why’ with regards to understanding cause and effect and this research may help to understand human cognition and memory. There are many advantages and disadvantages in using particular methods of psychological research but this essay will examine and assess only the advantages of three different methods of research, giving examples.

The first method we will assess is one used by Adorno et al. This quantitative method of collecting data used a questionnaire, which they called the F-scale (F for fascism) (McAvoy 2010). Adorno argued that certain personality traits made individuals prone to be highly prejudicial. There is evidence to support this claim as they also used clinical interviews revealing aspects of individual’s childhoods, such as the fact that they had been brought up by very strict parents, which were found of participants who scored highly on the F-scale and not always found in individuals with a low score. People with authoritarian personalities tended to be o...

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...oncerned with the quality of research. This is not the case. Quantitative research seeks to provide answers scientifically; it does not make assumptions from its findings. Qualitative research aims to evaluate things, in an attempt to look at the bigger picture, providing more understanding.

Works Cited

Brownlow, C (2010) ‘Making friends’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Discovering Psychology, Milton Keynes, The Open University.

Edgar, H and Edgar, G (2010) ‘Paying attention’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Discovering Psychology, Milton Keynes, The Open University.

McAvoy, J (2010) ‘Exposing the authoritarian personality’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Discovering Psychology, Milton Keynes, The Open University.

Oates, J (2010) ‘Learning from watching’ in Brace, N. and Byford, J. (eds) Discovering Psychology, Milton Keynes, The Open University.