Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

Psychology is not an exact but rather a social science. There are numerous ways and methods to do research in psychology and all fall into the category of qualitative research.

Qualitative research involves an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern that behavior. It relies on analysis behind various aspects of behavior. It shot off from her earlier centuries old scientific research of quantitative only in early 1900. It has since developed into a full fledged research methodology.

Qualitative research, investigates the why and how of behavior, as compared to what, where, and when of quantitative research. Thus Qualitative research requires a smaller but focused samples rather than large random samples as in the case of Quantitative research. It is more of an inductive form of research with conclusion derived from the particular to be applied the general more than deductive research of conclusion from the general to the specific.

We know that Data are not inherently quantitative. They do not necessarily have to be expressed in numbers. In the opposite, most information is in the form of bits and pieces of almost anything. They may come in the form of words, images, impressions, gestures, or tones which represent real events or reality as it is seen.

Qualitative research uses common reasoning to dig out what is really real -- the quality. Reasoning does not require any step-by-step rules, terms, and procedures that may be required in other scientific quantitative research. Qualitative research is, therefore, suitable and used widely as research methods in psychology. Basically, qualitative research is grouped into several methods depending on the nature of the research. Some of the more common applications of qualitative research to psychology are:

1. Participant-Observation
It is a self study of people we are quite familiar with. We may, as a Helium member ourselves, observe our peers how they react in a debate to establish a certain human psychological behavior or thoughts.

2. Ethnography or Field research
Field research has the idea that each person reflects something of his own culture in his gestures, displays, symbols, songs, sayings, etc. It is the job of ethnography to establish the hidden meaning that distinguishes, for example, a wink and a nod in any given culture.

3. Photography or film making
It is ethnography with recording equipment. Many conservative ethnographers may disagree with such technology. But it is difficult to deny the many advantages in applying the technology in our qualitative research world.

4. Interviewing technique
Interviewing is a method in quality research to obtain information through talking. There are many techniques in interviewing such as Informal; General; Open ended; and Telephone interview.

5. Case study
It occurs when all we have is information in one unique case, and we want to generalize about all situations. Almost all case studies involve unstructured
interview that people are allowed to express themselves in their own words.

6. Unobtrusive measures
These are ways of gathering data in which subjects are not aware of their being studied. This usually involves collection of data in one of two type of accretion of stuff left behind by human activity such as things in the rubbish bin or erosion of stuff that is worn down by human activity such as clothing.

7. Historiography
It is the method of doing historical research or gathering and analyzing historical evidence. Historians researchers will rely mostly on primary sources, but also use secondary sources and recollections.

Qualitative research is, therefore, rather subjective in comparison to the more objective conclusion of scientific research. Results can be interpreted variably depending on the individuals. But this can be resolved through opinions sharing, discussion, criticism, and time process to establish a consensus conclusion of valuable knowledge.