The scientific method is a rigorous process for systematically collecting and evaluating evidence to test ideas and answer questions. While other methods of knowing may generate initial concepts, the scientific method requires controlled observations and logical reasoning to validate those ideas. Although it is highly effective at producing valid knowledge, it is resource-intensive and strictly limited to addressing empirical questions.

Scientific Method

Applied research is scientific inquiry conducted primarily to address and resolve specific, practical problems. Unlike basic research, which focuses on general understanding, applied research applies scientific methods directly toward real-world issues, such as public safety concerns, to develop actionable solutions and interventions.

Applied Research

Scientific research in psychology and other disciplines aims to achieve three primary objectives. The first is to describe phenomena through careful observation. The second is to predict future events by identifying systematic relationships between variables. The final objective is to explain these phenomena by determining their underlying causal mechanisms.

The Three Goals of Science

Basic research in psychology is scientific inquiry conducted primarily for the sake of achieving a more detailed and accurate understanding of human behavior and natural phenomena. It focuses on expanding foundational knowledge and answering theoretical questions without necessarily attempting to address or solve any particular practical problem.

Basic Research

Non-experimental research is a broad category of research methodologies defined by the lack of manipulation of an independent variable. Instead of controlling factors, researchers simply measure variables as they naturally occur in real-world or laboratory settings. Although experimental research can provide strong evidence that changes in an independent variable cause differences in a dependent variable, non-experimental research generally cannot. Despite this inability to draw causal conclusions, non-experimental research is still considered extremely important and is utilized in cases where experimental research cannot be carried out.

Non-Experimental Research

The final step of the research process is reporting the results, which allows scientists to share their findings with the broader community. The most common methods for disseminating research include publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, contributing chapters to edited books, and giving presentations at academic conferences.

Reporting Scientific Results

Which of the following best describes the process of scientific research?

Scientific research is performed by examining and applying systematic, constructed scientific methods in order to obtain, study, analyze, and interpret relevant data.

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Involves documenting data following a series of steps and interpreting and analyzing the results to increase knowledge.

Research

Erol, A. (2017, June). How to conduct scientific research? Noro psikiyatri arsivi. Retrieved December 3, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5491675/.

Scientific Research

https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/psychmethods4e/

KPU Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition

Involves focusing on a certain area of research to increase understanding in that field. This includes disciplines such as chemistry, economics, psychology, etc.

Disciplinary Research

Legal research is the process of finding answers to legal questions, or checking and verifying the validity of legal precedent, to be cited in a legal brief, or at trial.

Legal Research

Historical research is a qualitative research technique, in which past events are studied, in order to interpret the relevant facts, examine the causes of those events, and assess what relevance and impact those past events might still be having on events in the present day.

Historical Research

Add reference nodes for Research as children here.

Research References



Research methods are the techniques and strategies used while collecting or analyzing data.

Research Methods

Research philosophy is a broad term that encompasses the researcher's fundamental beliefs about the nature of knowledge (epistemology), reality (ontology), and values. Research philosophy has an overarching influence on the entire research process, including but not limited to research question framing, research design, methodology, data collection and analysis, and conclusion framing, etc.

Research Philosophy

Research Center

An experiment is a specific type of research study designed to determine if a meaningful relationship between two variables is causal in nature. By utilizing statistical analysis to support these causal conclusions, experiments serve as one of the most common and valuable tools in psychological research.

Experiment

An empirical research report is a formal article that presents the results of one or more new studies. The standard sections of an empirical research report provide a structured outline for presenting the research, detailing the specific methodology, findings, and conclusions.

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