Learning Aim A (simplified):
P1: Explain the principles for conducting psychological research
P2: Explain the research process and key terms used when undertaking psychological inquiry
M1: Assess the principles and processes involved when undertaking psychological inquiry
D1: Evaluate...
Learning Aim A: Explaining the principles for conducting psychology research (P1,
P2,M1, D1)
Keys: … = references
, What is psychology research?
Psychology research is “psychology researchers study a wide range of topics, fluctuating from the development
of infants to the behaviour of social groups” (Cherry. 2020). This explains that psychological researchers
analyse societal behaviours in groups and individually.
What is the purpose of psychology research?
There are many reasons for psychological research. Nevertheless, the four main reasons would be to “improve
the outcomes for individuals, informing policy and practice, extending the knowledge and
understanding/identification of gaps in provisions” (PSYCHademia. 2016). Improving the outcomes for
individuals could mean reducing societal stigma around issues and informing policy and practice links to
changing laws and techniques used by police for instance. Extending the knowledge and understanding is letting
researchers and the public into more information, and identifying gaps in provisions can link to services and
how they deal with certain issues.
A study that links to the improvement of outcomes for individuals would be Haney et al (1973) - Stanford
Prison Experiment. This is because it shows how without guidelines and controls around people in authoritative
positions within a prison setting (i.e. guards), that prisoners can be treated unfairly and inhumanly. Also,
situations can get out of control. Thus, it also links to informing policy and practices. Henceforth in most
prisons, there are rules as to how prisoners are treated and the guards will be obligated to show them basic
human rights.
Extending knowledge and understanding also links to the Stanford Prison Experiment (1973). This is because
we now know that depending on the situation within prisons, it can become out of order and control without
proper authority, rules and regulations. This study is also applicable for the identification of provisions, as the
gap identified was that there is a strict need for laws for the guards and how they treated prisoners.
Issues researched in psychology
An example of issues researched in psychology is health trends. This is because it can support mental health and
physical illnesses, and it establishes causes and cures. Most psychologists look at ways to deal with these like
treatments, medicines and mental/physical support. An example of psychological research that links to health
trends is Harris et al (2009). This was where they analysed priming effects of television food advertising can
affect eating behaviours. They found out that children and adults consumed more snacks while being exposed to
more food-related adverts rather than non-food related adverts. This piece of research is relevant as it shows
how much television advertising can influence their viewers and can lead to health issues (i.e. obesity).
A strength of Harris et al (2009) study is that it's reliable. This is because it was repeated by Harris et al, with
adults aged between 18-24 years after it was conducted with the children, and they gathered the same results and
conclusion. Another strength of this study is that it's generalisable. This is because it can be repeated with
different age groups, genders and ethnicities. Thus, it helps to be applied to a wider population. A strength of
this study could be its validity. This is because Harris et al proved that television advertisements have a priming
effect on eating behaviours.
A weakness of Harris et al (2009) study is that it may lack ecological validity. This is because the children and
adults watched TV alone and were in an unusual location for watching TV (at school); viewing is usually a
social activity. This may have affected how much they were influenced by the adverts and caused them to eat
more. In normal conditions they might not have behaved in the same way. Another weakness of this study is that
it may lack reliability for the older generation. This is because they might not have been primed to such food
advertising as much as the younger generations. There could also have been a weakness within its validity as
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