Scientific method in psychology

Scientific Method in Psychology al Affiliation: Scientific Method in Psychology The scientific method is a uniform style of observing, collecting data, developing theories, making predictions and interpreting results. In psychology, researchers make certain observations in order to measure and describe behaviors (Baucum, 1999). Observation of certain behaviors that concur helps in the development of theories. In order for research to be viable in psychology, it must be precise, replicable, falsifiable and parsimonious (Coon et al. 2010). The research should be in a position to be redone and produce similar results for it to be termed as replicable. The results of the research should help in the development of a theory. The theory should be predictable using a hypothesis. The scientific method requires that any hypothesis should be testable using methods such as experiments, case studies, naturalistic observations and survey (Coon et al. 2010).
Importance of research in psychology
Psychology is a social science/soft science because it deals with the persuasions, feelings and behaviors of human beings. Human beings are not easily predictable but through scientific research, one can be able to foretell their behaviors. Research in psychology enables the psychologist to interact with the environment and gain the capacity to know how humans behave and think.
Research is crucial in psychology since it helps on categorization of psychological disorders. Through categorization of disorders, the psychologist will be able to understand the symptoms and impacts of certain disorders (Nevid, 2009). It gives a deeper understanding of intimate relationships and how they affect and effect people in the society. Research enables the psychologist to explain complicated things such as how religion, peers, and families affect individuals and the society. Through research, psychologists can effectively develop treatment to meliorate the lives of individuals and groups in different ways. Scientific research in Psychological is important in the study of how external factors impact the mental health of human beings. Research helps in gaining knowledge on psychological disorders symptoms and characteristics. Through research, development of tests to measure psychological phenomenon becomes simplified.
Research methods in psychology
There are many methods used to carry out research in psychology. Descriptive scientific research uses methods such as case studies, surveys, laboratory observations and natural observations. These methods can help in predicting behaviors and experiences (Coon et al. 2010). Case studies help in the collection of in-depth data and can be done through observations, interviews on specific subjects. While using survey, the researcher will use questionnaires or interviews to obtain information. Naturalistic observation involves studying a certain subject in its normal state without it noticing that it is being studied. Laboratory observation involves taking the subject into a laboratory where keen observation will be done and due to this it offers accurate results. Psychological tests are used in gathering of information on factors such as emotional states, interests, abilities, personality, and behaviors.
Ethics Code of psychologists
Researchers are supposed to abide by certain ethical norms while conducting any form of research. They must consider what is morally right or wrong while performing a research on the subject (Nevid, 2009). The psychologist code of ethics includes treatment of both animals and human beings. The researcher must get the consent of the subject before carrying out any research on them. The consent must be informed in that the subject has sufficient knowledge on the research so that they can resolve whether to accept or to deny the research from being carried out. The research should not harm the subject mentally or physically.
References
Baucum, D. (1999). Psychology. Hauppauge, N. Y: Barrons Educational Series.
Coon, D., Mitterer, J. O., Talbot, S., & Vanchella, C. M. (2010). Introduction to psychology: Gateways to mind and behavior. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Nevid, J. S. (2009). Psychology: Concepts and applications. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.