Methods of Psychology
🧪 2.1 Methods of Psychology (मनोविज्ञान की विधियाँ)
From Paper 1 – Foundations of Psychology
🧠 Introduction
Psychology, as a scientific discipline, relies on systematic methods to understand human behaviour and mental processes. These methods vary in approach, purpose, and applicability.
The choice of method depends on:
- The type of problem being investigated
- The nature of variables
- Whether the research is theoretical or applied
🔍 I. Types of Research in Psychology
1. Descriptive Research
Aims to describe characteristics of a phenomenon without manipulating variables.
Example:
- Studying how students cope with exam stress using surveys.
🛠 Methods used: Observation, Surveys, Case studies
2. Evaluative Research
Assesses the effectiveness of a program or intervention.
Example:
- Evaluating whether a school-based anti-bullying program actually reduces bullying cases.
3. Diagnostic Research
Used to identify problems or psychological conditions in individuals.
Example:
- A school counsellor diagnosing a student with ADHD using standardized tools.
4. Prognostic Research
Predicts future outcomes or developments based on current data.
Example:
- Predicting the likelihood of relapse in recovering drug addicts based on psychological factors.
🧪 II. Major Methods of Research in Psychology
1. Survey Method
Collects data from a large population using questionnaires or interviews.
🔹 Use: Attitudes, opinions, behaviors
🔹 Advantage: Wide coverage
🔹 Limitation: Self-report bias
Example:
- Surveying Indian youth on mobile phone addiction and sleep quality.
2. Observation Method
Involves systematic watching and recording of behaviour in natural or controlled settings.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalistic | No interference | Observing toddlers at a park |
| Controlled | Structured setting | Studying cooperation in a lab task |
| Participant | Researcher is part of group | A psychologist observing cult behaviour by joining as a member |
Limitation: Observer bias, ethical concerns
3. Case Study Method
An in-depth study of a single individual or small group.
Use: Rare disorders, unique events
Example:
- Freud’s study of “Little Hans” (phobia of horses) to understand psychosexual development
- Indian example: Study of Binod, a tribal child prodigy, to understand giftedness in non-urban settings
4. Experimental Method
Involves manipulating variables under controlled conditions to establish cause-effect relationships.
Key Components:
- Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated (e.g., sleep hours)
- Dependent Variable (DV): Measured (e.g., memory test scores)
- Control Group vs Experimental Group
Example:
- Testing whether 6 hours of sleep vs 8 hours affects students’ test performance.
Strengths: High internal validity
Weaknesses: May lack ecological validity (lab settings can feel artificial)
5. Quasi-Experimental Design
Used when random assignment is not possible.
Example:
- Comparing exam stress levels between students from urban vs rural schools (naturally occurring groups).
💡 III. Newer and Supplementary Research Methods
1. Focused Group Discussions (FGDs)
A group of participants discuss a topic under a moderator. Useful for generating ideas, understanding public opinion.
Example:
- FGD with teenage girls in UP on menstrual hygiene taboos.
2. Brainstorming
Group thinking technique to generate diverse ideas quickly.
Use: Innovation, policy design
Example:
- Used in UNICEF’s psychological interventions for conflict zones.
3. Grounded Theory Approach
A qualitative method where theories emerge from the data instead of being tested.
Use: Social/behavioural issues without a pre-existing framework
Example:
- Understanding the experience of LGBTQ students in Indian hostels through open-ended interviews.
⚖️ Comparison Chart
| Method | Best For | Example | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey | Large data collection | Urban youth voting behavior | Superficial insights |
| Observation | Natural behaviour | Classroom aggression | Observer bias |
| Case Study | Unique/rare cases | Multiple personality disorder | Not generalizable |
| Experimental | Cause-effect | Sleep and memory | Artificial settings |
| Quasi-Experimental | Field settings | Govt school vs Private school stress | Confounding variables |
🧪 Real-Life Applications in India
| Problem | Method | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide Prevention | Survey + Case study | Mapping student suicide hotspots in Kota |
| Gender Sensitization | FGDs | Nukkad Natak design based on rural feedback |
| Exam Anxiety | Experimental | AIIMS study on yoga vs no yoga in stress reduction |
| Tribal Mental Health | Grounded theory | Mental health mapping in Bastar region |
✅ Conclusion
Psychology uses diverse, situation-specific methods to gain a deeper understanding of human nature. The selection of method determines the depth, accuracy, and ethical acceptability of psychological research.
By applying these methods wisely, psychologists can diagnose disorders, design policies, improve education, and even influence governance.
