https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/statistics-on-smoking/statistics-on-
smoking-england-2020/statistics-on-smoking-2020-data-tables
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/
568772/dh_4127152_v2.pdf
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/position-statements-reports/statistics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/health-survey
https://reshare.ukdataservice.ac.uk/851493/
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-2962-8#Sec20
P1- explain the principles for conducting psychological research.
Research is crucial when coming up with a hypothesis/theory. It investigates the theory with the aim of
proving the facts. Scientific approach in psychological research is also important, it helps seek to provide
explanations that will enable us to understand and manage our environment. One of the ways is
through empirical evidence, this is knowledge gained through direct experience. The empirical evidence
is primary data collected; this is objective evidence rather than opinion. Objectives are free from bias,
this is uninfluenced by personal expectations, emotions and personal opinions. Using replication, if the
observation is true then the answers would be the same or similar.
Collection of primary data
Primary data is data collected by the researchers themselves. This is often through surveys, interviews,
experiments, this is an original data source helping to solve the research problem. For example, the
national youth tobacco survey is available to public use so researchers can develop and explore the data
in detail.
Inductive vs deductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning relies on the trends and patterns of health and ill health whereas deductive
reasoning relies on the facts. For example, an inductive reasoning would be smoking should be banned
for people under the age of 18 and a deductive reasoning would be smoking is the principal cause of
many serious illnesses.
The purpose of psychological research is to characterise, clarify, evaluate, and possibly even regulate
mental processes or behaviour. This is done by research. Psychologists plan, carry out, and use the study
findings in practical applications. Many organisations, including the NHS, need to develop an
understanding of a set of guiding principles to direct actions. Informing policy and practice is an example
of how research is used to achieve this goal. This is done using statistics. Statistics summarise data and
identify patterns, helping people make informed choices. For example, statistical data is published by
the government for health-related issues. Data from 2020 shows the different health risks attached to
smoking.
, This table shows us an insight into the health risks helping us prevent people from smoking. Statistical
data is needed to evaluate the theory on understanding how many people in the Uk are diagnosed with
a disease due to smoking. It also helps people to protect others and inform them about the possible
health risks.
Another purpose of research is extending knowledge and understanding, this plays a big role in helping
us understand more deeply into subjects. This is usually done through questionnaires, surveys, tables,
graphs and statistics. The purpose of research is to understand how our bodies work, why we get sick
and how we can prevent these diseases. The end goal is to improve the health of people. Often research
is collected data that is later analysed. To address the growing challenges that poor health and disease
place on society, health research is crucial.
Health surveys are done to gather data representing the population’s wellbeing. Such questions enable
researchers to understand potential risks and overall health. This type of research process is then used
in longitudinal studies to be investigated further. Tobacco use is a common health behaviour affecting
many people. Obtaining information about their use captures context on their behaviours.
In 2013, a survey was conducted on smokers in southeast London, the survey observed around 40% had
bought illicit tobacco on at least one occasion and 80% had reported they bought it on one at least one
occasion last year.