In the psychological sciences, you can conduct basic research and applied research. 

Basic research is theoretical research that explains why and how psychological processes occur 

Example of basic research: How do different parts of the brain process emotions?

Applied research is research that aims to solve a problem and aims to produce immediate, practical outcomes. 

Example of applied research: Testing a specific psychotherapy technique for treating depression

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There are many methods of research utilized in Clinical Psychology. 

Methods of Research in Clinical Psychology

Regarding epidemiology, the expectation is that analyzing the distribution of cases in a community or region and uncovering the distinguishing characteristics of the affected individuals or groups will teach us something about the causes of a particular disease and the methods by which it spreads. Epidemiological methods can also be quite important in identifying groups of individuals who are at risk.

Epidemiological Methods 

Another way of classifying research studies is by considering whether the studies are cross-sectional or longitudinal in nature.

Cross-Sectional vs. Longitudinal Approaches 

Utilized to determine cause-effect relationships among events. 

Experimental Method 

Single-case designs are an outgrowth of behavioral and operant approaches. They bear similarities to both experimental and case study methods. But the focus is on the responses of one participant only. 

Single-Case Designs 

Here, participants who can be divided into specific populations (e.g. schizophrenic vs. normal) are assigned as groups to each experimental condition. In this way, variables such as psychosis or normality are not manipulated or induced by the investigator. Instead, they are correlated with the experimental condition. 

Mixed Designs 

Various research methods commonly used by clinical psychologists each have different strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Research Methods

Quantitative research relies on measuring variables using a numerical system, analyzing these measurements using any of a variety of statistical models, and reporting relationships and associations among the studied variables. The goal of gathering quantitative data is to understand, describe, and predict the nature of a phenomenon, particularly through the development of models and theories.

Quantitative Methods

Alderfer, M. A., & Sood, E. (2016). Using qualitative research methods to improve clinical care in pediatric psychology. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 4(4), 358-361. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/cpp0000164

Using qualitative research methods to improve clinical care in pediatric psychology

Qualitative research in clinical care settings involves the communication between a patient (and sometimes their family members) and their doctor in order to comprehend a patient's symptoms. Therefore, qualitative research in clinical psychology is extremely valuable and helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals. 

Qualitative Methods

The most basic and pervasive of all research methods is observation.  Experimental, case study, and naturalistic approaches all involve making observations of what someone is doing or has done. 

- Unsystematic Observation
- Naturalistic Observation
- Controlled Observation 


Observation in Psychology 

Correlation refers to the relationship between two or more variables. As one variable changes, so does the other. Correlation does not tell us about causal (i.e., cause and effect) relationships. 

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