The causes of human behavior are not clear, so psychologists must find innovative ways to identify the causes. For instance, someone may be reluctant to disclose why they are sad.

Empirical Method for Studying Behavior

* Deductive reasoning
* Inductive reasoning

The Types of Reasoning Within the Scientific Process

Facts describe reality. They are established using empirical research.

Fact

An empirical method for acquiring knowledge is predicated on observation and experimentation rather than theory alone.

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Empirical knowledge is drawn from tangible evidence that is consistent no matter who is making the observation. 

Empirical

Psychological research focuses on understanding behavior, as well as the cognitive (mind) and physiological (body) processes that underlie behavior. Psychologists use scientific methods to acquire knowledge.

Psychological Research

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Empirical Method

There are several methods of research in psychology. We are listing a few of them as follows:

- Correlational 
- Observational
- Psychological instruments (tests)
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Archival 
- Experimental
- Longitudinal
- Cross-sectional

Research Methods in Psychology

To evaluate psychological research critically, consider: 

- Who is making the claim and what type of background do they have?
- What will they gain if their claim is supported?
- What are other researchers's opinions about the claim?
- Does the evidence support the claim?
- Does the research have high reliability and validity?

Evaluating Research Critically

Notable researchers in psychology include:

- Margaret Floy Washburn
- Mary Whiton Calkins 
- Francis Sumner
- Inez Beverly Prosser
- Horatio Pinero
- Gunamudian David Boaz and Narendra Nath Sen Gupta

Notable Researchers in Psychology

Researchers are expected to adhere to basic ethical guidelines when conducting psychological research involving human participants/animal subjects.

Ethics in Psychological Research

Participants are the people who are being studied in psychological research.

Participants

Several areas of psychology incorporate interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary, or cross-disciplinary approaches. For example:
- Consciousness
- Motivation
- Emotion

Cross-Disciplinary Research Topics in Psychology

Research is Important because it separates what is fact from what is opinion. Facts are considered to be empirical (derived from observation) while opinions are considered to be theoretical (derived from speculation) .

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