Psychology's three main levels of analysis uses three different views: biological, psychological, and social-cultural to explain the actions and behaviors of others. Each level provides insight into certain behaviors. Together they form the biopsychosocial approach. The biopsychosocial approach uses all three levels of analysis at one time to better explain the action and behaviors of others. Depending on the situation, one level could be used more than the others to explain a particular phenomenon, but each is valued. One without the rest is considered incomplete. (Myers, 2011, p.7)
1) Text: Rosenzweig, Leiman, and Breedlove. 2nd Edition. Biological Psychology: An Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroscience. Sinauer Associates, Massachusetts, 1999.
When two or more variables move in sympathy with the other, then they are said to be correlated. If both variables move in the same direction, then they are said to be positively correlated. If the variables move in opposite direction, then they are said to be negatively correlated. If they move haphazardly, then there is no correlation between them. Correlation analysis deals with the following:
Going into details of the article, I realized that the necessary information needed to evaluate the experimental procedures were not included. However, when conducting an experiment, the independent and dependent variable are to be studied before giving a final conclusion.
Scientists make progress by using the scientific method, a process of checking conclusions against nature. After observing something, a scientist tries to explain what has been seen. The explanation is called a hypothesis. There is always at least one alternative hypothesis. A part of nature is tested in a "controlled experiment" to see if the explanation matches reality. A controlled experiment is one in which all treatments are identical except that some are exposed to the hypothetical cause and some are not.
Correlation and linear regression analysis are statistical procedures to enumerate associations between an independent, every now and then called a predictor, variable (X) and a continuous dependent outcome variable (Y). For correlation study, the independent variable (X) can be continuous or ordinal. Regression analysis can also accommodate dichotomous independent variables.
Experimental research is the one type of research that allows psychologists to make causal statements. It is where the researcher changes one or more variables that may have an effect on some other variables (King, 2016). The hypothesis is a specific expectation about what is going to happen in the experiment (King, 2016). In the research, the hypothesis was that women would perceive fat talk to be more socially acceptable than men (Katrevich et al., 2014). The other elements of experimental method are dependent and independent variables. The independent variable (IV) is the cause of the results, and it is changed by the experimenter to find the effects, but the dependent vari...
In the cognitive level of analysis, the most common research method would be lab experiments. Lab experiment is the only research method that shows cause-and-effect relationship between variables. It takes place in a laboratory or an artificial environment. The researcher would manipulate the IV and controls all the other variables, in order to avoid confounding variables. There is also a controlled environment and standardized procedures. There are three main strengths for this research method. First of all, it can establish cause-effect relationships. Secondly, there is variable control and accuracy of measurements, which indicates objectivity. As for the third strength, lab experiment is easy to replicate, thus increasing the reliability of results. On the other hand, three evident limitations can be observed. The first one would be artificiality, which may result in lack of ecological validity. Demand characteristics and experimenter effects contribute to biased results, w...
In response to the question set, I will go into detail of the study, consisting of the background, main hypotheses, as well the aims, procedure and results gathered from the study; explaining the four research methods chosen to investigate, furthering into the three methods actually tested.
The Scientific Method is the standardized procedure that scientists are supposed to follow when conducting experiments, in order to try to construct a reliable, consistent, and non-arbitrary representation of our surroundings. To follow the Scientific Method is to stick very tightly to a order of experimentation. First, the scientist must observe the phenomenon of interest. Next, the scientist must propose a hypothesis, or idea in which the experiments will be based around. Then, through repeated experimentation, the hypothesis can either be proven false or become a theory. If the hypothesis is proven to be false, the scientist must reformulate his or her ideas and come up with another hypothesis, and the experimentation begins again. This process is to be repeated until a theory is produced. The production of a theory is usually called the conclusion. After considerable testing of the theory, it may become what is known as a law, but laws are only formed in very rare occasions where the theory can be proven without a doubt, which is usually done through induction.
The chapter explains how correlation study examines the extent to which differences in characteristic and variable are related to differences in one or more characteristics or variables. Correlation only exists when one variable increases and the other either...
The biological perspective looks at how the environment and physical causes influences behavior. In the biological perspective, neuroscience plays a crucial role in explaining how the brain and the nervous system influence behaviors. Neuroscientist describes how the brain process thoughts, emotions, feelings, and how the physical body is driven by these mental processes. This branch of psychology, engages in a variety of research such as the study of genetics, brain cells, and the function of the brain across a period of time. This is done using positron emission tomography (PET). This technique is used with radio active glucose to indicate areas of activity in the brain. Another technique that is done to conduct brain research is functional magnetic resonance imaging (IMR). It uses powerful magnets and radio equipment that provides comprehensive pictures of soft tissues of the brain.
The first method to be discussed and analysed are experimental methods. There is a variety of experimental methods including; laboratory, field and natural experiments. These methods are the most scientific method due to them being highly objective and systematic. In addition, this method is regarded as the most powerful research method used in psychology because of the potential to investigate the causes of events and therefore, identifying the cause and effect relationship. When carrying out an experiment the researcher intervenes directly in the situation being investigated. The researcher manipulates an independent variable (IV) in order to investigate whether there is a change in the dependent variable (DV). Any other variables that could have an
Empirical research: Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment. We can also call it as experimental type of research. In such a research it is necessary to get at facts firsthand, at their source, and actively to go about doing certain things to stimulate the production of desired information. In such a research, the researcher must first provide himself with a working hypothesis or guess as to the probable results. He then works to get enough facts (data) to prove or disprove his hypothesis. He then sets up experimental designs which he thinks will manipulate the persons or the materials concerned so as to bring forth the desired information. Such research is thus characterized by the experimenter’s control over the variables under study and his deliberate manipulation of one of them to study its effects. Empirical research is appropriate when proof is sought that certain variables affect other variables in some way. Evidence gathered through experiments or empirical studies is today considered to be the most powerful support possible for a given
Correlational research is a qualitative method where the focus is on studying the relationships between variables (Punch, 2014). Correlational research is primarily designed to investigate whether or not there is a relationship between two or more variables. The main emphasis in a correlational research is to discover or establish the existence of a relationship/association/interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation (Kumar, 2011). Correlation analysis is concerned with measuring whether two variables are associated with each other. If two variables tend to change together in the same direction, they are said to be positively correlated. If they tend to change together in opposite directions, they are said