Research, Statistics, and Psychology Paper

Research, Statistics, and Psychology Paper

Savanna Ward

Psy/315

October 17, 2013

Katherine Sainz

Introduction

Research and statistics play a huge role in the field of psychology. Research helps to prove or disprove theories in psychology and statistics are applied to psychological research so it can help to determine whether the findings are valid and significant based on probability. In this paper I will discuss research, statistics, and the scientific method. I will also compare and contrast the characteristics of primary and secondary data.

Research is defined as the systematic investigation into study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. The term basic research refers to study and research on pure science that is meant to increase our scientific knowledge base which is often purely theoretical with the intent of increasing our understanding of certain phenomena or behavior, but does not seek to solve or treat these problems (www.psychology.about.com). There is also applied research which refers to the scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems and even to cure illness.

The scientific method is an organized way of figuring something out. The scientific method is broke down into six steps. The first step is asking questions about what you hope to accomplish. Next you need to conduct some background research. Third you need to construct a hypothesis. The forth step would be testing your hypothesis by doing an experiment and then after you test your hypothesis you can then analyze your data and draw a conclusion. Last you will report your results. The scientific method is something all of us use all the time whether we notice it or not. In fact, being curious, asking questions, seeking answers is a natural part of being human.

Statistics is defined as a branch of mathematics that focuses on the organization,...