Psychology
is the scientific study of human behaviors, thoughts, and feelings;
however, the use of extensive research and statistics can provide a
psychologist the ability to examine and report the findings. Psychology
uses several types of scientific research to prove or disprove psychological
theories (e.g., observational, correlational, and experimental). When
psychologists are performing research, it is necessary to have a way of
measuring the results. Statistics is that measure; it helps to identify
logically the validity of the research methods used. Therefore,
statistics, as much as research, is the backbone to the science of psychology.
Research
Using
the scientific research method to acquire and test knowledge is a key process
for most research studies today versus the empirical method of obtaining
information based on observation only. Regardless of the method used, it
is important that it be a reliable and valid process. However, to
consider a project scientific, it must be objective and follow a specific
process; Cowens (2006) provides five basic steps to break down the scientific
method. First a researcher must determine a problem that needs
solving, such as why Billy cries whenever his mother leaves the room.
Next a researcher must develop a hypothesis, which, quite frankly, is a
researcher’s best guess or prediction of the outcome of the original question
(in this instance a hypothesis may be Billy cries because he becomes
anxious). Then, testing the hypothesis can begin; this may be the most
important step in the process because some researchers find that his or her
original hypothesis is incorrect (e.g., Billy cries because of his mother’s
anxiety).
Primary
data is obtained directly from a researcher’s observations in an effort to
support his or her hypothesis. However, according to Cowens (2006),
checking the results “against known facts” (e.g., Billy’s behavior in other
situations) also becomes an important part of the testing process (p.
42). Furthermore, reading up on any existing work (e.g., separation
anxiety in children) can provide a better understanding of the subject; this
type of information or secondary data has not been personally observed by the
researcher performing the study, but can be very helpful. It is one thing
to have a hypothesis and obtain primary data, but if research has already been
completed on the subject, this secondary data may just provide an explanation
about why a researcher has surmised his or her hypothesis (e.g., previous work
left unanswered, additional questions that will be addressed, etc.). Of
course, documenting primary data at each step of the experiment helps when
trying to identify the outcome, leading to the fifth and final step, which is
drawing a conclusion. If the research supports the hypothesis (both
primary and secondary data follow the original prediction) there is no need for
further explanation; however, if the results differ the researcher will need to
identify were the experiment may have gone wrong, requiring a revision of the
hypothesis. Upon reviewing the statistical analysis of the research,
anyone should be able to understand clearly the direction of the experiment.
Statistics
The
collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of the data gathered
from the psychological research process are accomplished through the use of
statistics. Aron, Aron, and Coups (2009) refer to statistics as “a method
of pursuing truth” (para. 3). Statistics can provide the likeliness that
a theory or hypothesis is true or not. Much like the different methods of
research, there are also two methods of statistical analysis: descriptive and
inferential. Descriptive statistics
enables psychologists to take a group of numbers from a research study and both
summarize and describe the outcome. With inferential statistics,
psychologists can draw conclusions and as the name indicates, make
inferences for a larger groups based on the numbers from a smaller sample
group. When psychologists are conducting statistical evaluations, he or
she must take into consideration variables (conditions or
characteristics with different values), values (number or category), and scores
(a particular value on a variable). From this information statistics can
provide psychologists with the ability to put research into easily identifiable
measures (or variables), also called “quantitative variables” (Aron, Aron,
& Coups, 2009, p. 3).
There
are many types of tables and graphs that can be assembled from a simple group
of numbers allowing psychologists to identify accurately trends or obtain
ratings and ranks. One such table is a frequency table, which takes a
group of scores and identifies how many of the same scores exist. A
grouped frequency table lists the data (numbers) in order of their frequency
value and also provides the frequency percentage. A histogram is “a kind
of bar chart” that takes the research numbers from the frequency table and puts
them into a graph. Values are arranged along the bottom of the
graph from left to right, lowest to highest. In addition to that one
would arrange the frequencies along the left edge of the graph with the
lowest number at the bottom and the highest at the top. Although there
are many formats (e.g., column, line, bar, area) available for graphs and
charts, it is imperative that the values and frequency bars or sections used
have equal spacing, this provides accurate visual markers for others to
review the work performed.
|
Sample Statistics Chart
|
Psychology
As explained by Hasiam and McGarty (2003), “the key goal of
psychological research is to understand why mental processes and behavior have
particular effects…” (p. 15). By virtue of explaining such phenomena, the
idea is not to continue to uncover more facts, but to explain a specific theory,
hypothesis, or assertion. Therefore, it is important to understand that a
theory in psychology serves two purposes; first, to address multiple facts and
also to generate predictions (hypotheses) from changing
perspectives. Thus, while psychologists still use “argument, common
sense, and logic” he or she relies more heavily on the use of “empirical
evidence and its interpretation” (Aron, Aron, & Coups, 2009, p. 13).
To further the knowledge of the human psyche psychology as a
science will continue to use research and statistics. Regardless of the
scientific research method used reliable and valid processes allow the
field to continue to develop a better understanding of specific aspects of
behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Although without the mathematical
ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret objectively the data
gathered, psychology would still be just a philosophical journey.
However, because psychologists have learned to break down research
scientifically to only one hypothesis, the field has advanced
considerably. Although the data remains an important aspect of
psychological research, maintaining the human factor is the ultimate goal in
psychology.
No comments:
Post a Comment