Research, Statistics, & Psychology

Research, Statistics, & Psychology

PSY/315 - Statistical Reasoning in Psychology

Research, Statistics, & Psychology

Research is the scientific, objective, and methodical gathering of information to support a theory or hypothesis. Statistics is the science of collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. It is no surprise that statistical data is essential to good research. In psychology, statistics is a method of pursuing the truth (Aron, Aron, & Coups, 2009). Psychologists use statistical methods to make more sense out of large amounts of data they collect during research.

Research and Scientific Method

Research is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as: "studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws" (Research, n.d.).

The scientific method is the process by which "scientists, collectively and over time, endeavor to construct an accurate representation of the world" (Wolfs, n.d.). The scientific method was developed to minimize the influence of bias or prejudice in the experimenter when testing a hypothesis or theory.

The Steps of The Scientific Method

Depending on the source or application, there are a range in the number of steps in the scientific method. The method, regardless of the number of steps, involves the same essential process of gathering and testing information. The most common scientific models have seven or eight steps. These steps are as follows:

1. Define the question

2. Observe and gather information

3. Form a hypothesis

4. Perform experiments and collect data

5. Analyze data

6. Interpret data and draw conclusions

7. Report the results

8. Retest

Within this eight step process, in is often necessary to repeat steps three through six, continuously forming new...