Psychology Contributions Scientific method consists of procedures, rules, and assumptions that scientists use toguide their research. The method allows scientists to collect and analyze data in an objectivemanner (Coolican, 2017). It is assumed that data that is collected and analysed in an objectivemanner is likely to result to objective interpretation and conclusions which can be […]
To start, you canPsychology Contributions
Scientific method consists of procedures, rules, and assumptions that scientists use to
guide their research. The method allows scientists to collect and analyze data in an objective
manner (Coolican, 2017). It is assumed that data that is collected and analysed in an objective
manner is likely to result to objective interpretation and conclusions which can be replicated by
other scientists performing similar research.
Analysis of a Past Research
I have been involved in multiple research projects in the past. In all those projects, we
always made sure that we carried them out in accordance with the scientific method. An example
of a past research that I participated in its conduct sought to determine whether use of fake
cigarettes helps cigarette smokers to quit the habit. We began with the first element of scientific
method – observation. We observed that a large number of people who had quit cigarette
smoking used fake cigarettes. We then formulated the research question: ‘does use of fake
cigarettes help in quitting cigarette smoking?’. We followed the question with a hypothesis that
use of fake cigarettes helped smokers quit the habit. In scientific method, a hypothesis is an
educated guess that answers a question derived from observed phenomena or behaviour
(Goodwin & Goodwin, 2016). Once a hypothesis is formulated, it is tested through use of
specific research method (Goodwin & Goodwin, 2016). In our research, we used case study to
test the hypothesis that we had formulated. We then collected data and analysed it. The data
generally confirmed our hypothesis that using fake cigarettes helped in quitting of smoking.
Elements of scientific method that were ignored
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PSYCHOLOGY CONTRIBUTIONS
In conducting the research, we generally adhered to the elements of scientific method.
The only exception was randomization of data sample. Our data was not collected from a random
sample as we carefully looked for persons who had previously used fake cigarettes before
quitting smoking.
Proposed research project
My proposed research project is to determine the link between eating disorders of
children whose parents also have eating disorders. The research project is based on my
observation of children with eating disorders. I have noticed that a large number of such children
have one or both parents who has or had an eating disorder problem. The proposed research
project will be done using survey method. Participants in the research will be randomly sampled
from children with eating disorders.
How the research will help in learning about basic principles of behavior
Principles of behavior are arrived at through observation of human behavior alone. They
are not based on what goes through the mind of a person but what can be observed. One of the
basic behavioral principle is that behavior is a product of an individual’s immediate environment
(Malott, 2015). Thus, our behaviors are largely a reflection of the behaviors that we observe
around us. The second principle is that consequences strengthen or weaken a given behavior. If
the consequences of a particular behavior are undesirable people tend to reduce or stop practicing
it. However, if the consequences are positive, the behavior is reinforced. The other principle is
that reinforcement or punishment of a behavior can only be known at a later time in the course of
the behavior (Malott, 2015).
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PSYCHOLOGY CONTRIBUTIONS
My research proposal helps in learning some of these basic behavioral principles. For
instance, by seeking to determine whether children with eating disorders learn the behavior from
their parents, the research will help in either confirming or refuting the behavior principle that all
behavior is learnt from our immediate environment.
How scientific method can be used to address problems in research design
In research such as the one I have proposed, there is a possibility of having serious design
flaws that weaken its conclusions. These flaws can be eliminated through strict adherence to the
scientific method. For instance, scientific method requires that one formulates a question that the
research will be answering. This requirement helps to make a given research more specific.
Without the need to formulate a research question, the research would be too general and
unfocused.
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PSYCHOLOGY CONTRIBUTIONS
References
Coolican, H. (2017). Research methods and statistics in psychology. Psychology Press.
Goodwin, C. J., & Goodwin, K. A. (2016). Research in psychology methods and design. John
Wiley & Sons.
Malott, R. (2015). Principles of behavior. Psychology Press.
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