Psychology Research Designs

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the use of the experimental method of research, the descriptive method, and the use of correctional studies in the field of psychology. The paper presents a brief overview of each method and concludes that psychological experimentation requires the combination of a disprovable hypothesis, a validly-designed experimental test, observation of results, identification of concurrent variables, the elimination of alternative explanations for apparent results and the logical analysis of any conclusions based on the experiment.

Outline:
The Experimental Method in Psychology
The Descriptive Method
Correctional Studies

From the Paper:

"In general principle, the scientific method is applicable to all areas of intellectual inquiry and experimentation. It refers to the process of formulating a hypothesis capable of being tested empirically. To qualify as a bona fide scientific hypothesis, a concept must be capable of being definitively disproved by an experimental design that is repeatable. Strictly speaking, it is impossible ever to prove that a hypothesis is true, because the full range of variables that may contribute to the experimental results may include those beyond the ability of the researchers to anticipate or recognize."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carlson, N.R. (2006) Physiology of Behavior 9th Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
• Gerrig, R, Zimbardo, P. (2005) Psychology and Life. 17th Edition. New York: Allyn & Bacon.

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