Methods of Psychology

Methods of Psychology

We learned that psychology is a science as well. Science's goal is to provide novel, practical knowledge in the form of verified facts. Different techniques are used for it in psychology. As follows:

The Observational Method

One of psychology's most fundamental and traditional techniques is this one. The first step in studying psychology is to observe animals and people in their natural environment. The objective observation technique is another name for this approach. Someone other than the subject of the observation is observing the behavior of the subject in question. It entails gathering information by watching behavior, which may manifest itself as physical changes. body language, gestures, expressions on the face, and voice.

Strengths

• The result obtained is natural.
• This method is very objective and impersonal Different aspects of life/behavior can be studied at a time.
• Other methods are limited only in the study of adults/matured, however, this method is suitable in the study of infancy, insanity, handicapped, old age, cultural issues, etc.

Limitations

• Considering that this approach lacks "control," it is impossible to determine the true cause and its connection.
• It is not always possible to conduct.
• When researchers meddle with naturally occurring occurrences, the results might be biased.
• This takes time and money.
• It is challenging to consistently watch the behavior without being disturbed.
• For good observation, particular skills or expertise are required.

The Case History or Clinical Method

This approach aims to investigate each person's behavior individually. The individual who comes for guidance and treatment of his physical or mental issues is treated in a clinical setting or environment. The following are some traits of the clinical method:

• The person can use the clinical approach.
• The person is having some issues.
• Approaches to diagnosis and therapy are used to address these issues.
• This approach aims to find the troubled person's greatest adjustment and welfare.

The following techniques are used in this method:

• Adequate physical check-up.
• Information collection:
  • Identifying data/ bio-data.
  • Environmental background: this may contain information about the members of the individual's family, his parents, their relationship. socio-economic status, schooling, job records etc.
  • Developmental history.
  • History of exceptional or abnormal behaviour.
• The clinical interview.
• Direct observation of the behaviour.
• Certain measuring devices may be used to assess personality.

Strengths

• It is a very reliable method.
• It is one of the methods of diagnosing mental illness.

Limitations

• Sometimes it is impossible to do observation in home or school setting.
• Sometimes the observed place can be threatening for the patient.
• It needs specialized persons.
• It is very expensive.

The Scientific or Experimental Method

An experiment is a type of research in which the researcher purposefully changes one variable while observing the impact on another. A variable is anything that may take on several forms. There are two categories of variables: independent and dependent. The steps of an experiment are as follows:

• Recognizing an issue.
• Developing the hypothesis.
• Separate independent and dependent variables.
• Establishing the surroundings.
• Analyzing the outcome.
• Using the experiment's findings to test the hypothesis.

Strengths

• Given that it provides a cause and effect link, it is the most scientific. the "control" group, assisted by the "experimental" group
• This approach has better validity and dependability.
• It is possible to reproduce the experiment's outcome. The outcome may be tested and retested. Thus, this approach essentially increases the bar for the quality of the final product.
• The experimental technique may be used to build new hypotheses as well.

Limitations

• An experiment could be risky in some circumstances.
• This approach is mostly limited to lab conditions and does not applicable to natural situations. That is why its use is similarly restricted.
• The technique occasionally affects the object it is seeking to measure.
• We are not able to perform experiments in many areas due to various practical and ethical concerns.
• A skilled researcher is needed for this technique.

The Genetic or Developmental Method

This method studies the growth of behaviour. For example, to understand the learning behaviour of an adult, the study will start from the childhood and adolescence.

Advantage

• It is very useful method to findout the influencing behavior of an adult.

Limitation

• It is hard to get proper history and very often needs help of close family members.