Intro To Research Methods

Question 1

What is the research that is carried out?

Answer 1

Psychology

Question 2

Where do researchers/research teams work?

Answer 2

In a university or private research units (usually attached to a university)

Question 3

What is the first step for carrying out research?

Answer 3

Researchers write a proposal for research: aim, procedure, literature review

Question 4

What is the second step for carrying out research?

Answer 4

The proposal is submitted for funding to an organisation e.g. MacArthur Foundation. Some studies are carried out just with uni funds. It is peer reviewed: accepted; modified; rejected.

Question 5

What is the third step for conducting research?

Answer 5

If approved a grant is given which provides funding for the duration of the study - this may be several years and millions of pounds.

Question 6

What is the fourth step for carrying out research?

Answer 6

The researchers carry out the study.

Question 7

What is the fifth step for carrying out research?

Answer 7

The researchers write up their study, including their findings, usually in several ‘articles’ to be published in academic journals.

Question 8

What is the sixth/final step for carrying out research?

Answer 8

The article is peer reviewed again - experts in the field read the article and judge whether it is good science and whether it is something the academic journal wishes to publish.

Question 9

What is the process of peer review considered as?

Answer 9

A major safeguard of the quality of published research.

Question 10

What is the economy?

Answer 10

The state of a country or region in terms of consumption and production of goods and services (money in Vs money out).

Question 11

What are the 3 main areas of the economy that psychology impacts (+/-)?

Answer 11

1. Employment - whether women work (attachment research) - reducing sick days, getting people back into employment
2. Health - reduction in NHS costs because people are treated effectively - treating addiction in turn reduces crime
3. Crime - reduction in criminal justice bill (e.g. cost of policing, prison sentences) - lower losses due to crime (financial or health which may impact ability to function)

Question 12

What are the 6 research methods?

Answer 12

Experiments, Observations, Self-report, Correlations, Content Analysis, Case Studies