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Methods of Psychological Enquiry

The document outlines methods of psychological enquiry, emphasizing the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It details the goals of psychological enquiry, types of psychological data, observational methods, and correlational research, providing examples for each. The content aims to enhance understanding of psychological practices and their applications in real-world contexts.

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kanakbhardwaj1711
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8 views3 pages

Methods of Psychological Enquiry

The document outlines methods of psychological enquiry, emphasizing the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It details the goals of psychological enquiry, types of psychological data, observational methods, and correlational research, providing examples for each. The content aims to enhance understanding of psychological practices and their applications in real-world contexts.

Uploaded by

kanakbhardwaj1711
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROJECT FILE

Subject: Psychology

Class: 11

Topic: Methods of Psychological Enquiry

Name: [Your Name]

Roll Number: [Your Roll Number]

School Name: [Your School Name]

Academic Session: 2024–2025


1. Introduction
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It investigates how
individuals perceive, feel, think, and act in various contexts. To uncover patterns,
relationships, and explanations for behavior, psychologists use systematic methods of
enquiry. These methods allow researchers to predict behavior, solve real-world problems,
and understand mental processes deeply, contributing to both theoretical knowledge and
practical applications, such as improving mental health treatment and enhancing
educational systems.

2. Goals of Psychological Enquiry

Description
Observing and defining behavior to build a comprehensive understanding. Example:
Describing the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by observing social
interactions and communication in children to help early diagnosis.

Explanation
Understanding the causes behind behaviors by identifying contributing factors. Example:
Exploring why individuals develop phobias, such as a fear of flying, by examining past
traumatic experiences and cognitive patterns.

Prediction
Anticipating future behavior based on observed patterns. Example: Using early academic
performance to predict the likelihood of success in higher education.

Control
Designing interventions to influence or modify behavior. Example: Implementing
mindfulness training in workplaces to reduce stress and improve employee productivity.

Application
Using findings to address real-world issues. Example: Applying research on memory
techniques to design educational tools that enhance students' retention and recall.

3. Nature of Psychological Data


Psychological data is diverse and provides a foundation for understanding human behavior:

Quantitative Data: Numerical data that is measurable and objective. Example: Recording
response times during a memory recall task to evaluate cognitive speed.

Qualitative Data: Non-numerical data that captures subjective experiences. Example:


Analyzing interview responses to understand coping mechanisms used by survivors of
natural disasters.

Primary Data: Data collected firsthand by the researcher. Example: Conducting an


experiment to study the impact of sleep deprivation on problem-solving skills.
Secondary Data: Pre-existing data used for research. Example: Using government health
records to study the prevalence of mental health disorders in a specific region.

4. Observational Method
Observation involves systematically recording behavior in a natural or controlled setting. It
is divided into:

Naturalistic Observation: Observing behavior in its natural environment without


interference. Example: Studying how children interact in a playground to understand the
development of social skills like sharing and cooperation.

Controlled Observation: Conducting observation in a structured setting where variables are


manipulated. Example: Observing participants in a laboratory setting to study the effect of
group pressure on decision-making in controlled conditions.

Real-Life Example: A researcher observes shoppers in a mall to understand purchasing


behaviors, noting how promotional offers influence buying decisions.

5. Correlational Research
Correlational research explores the relationship between two variables to determine if they
are related.

Example 1: Examining the link between increased screen time and reduced academic
performance in teenagers, showing how one variable may predict another.

Example 2: Investigating the relationship between physical exercise and mental well-being,
revealing that higher physical activity often correlates with lower levels of anxiety and
depression.

However, correlation does not establish causation. For instance, a study may show a
correlation between coffee consumption and productivity but cannot prove that coffee
directly increases productivity.

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