According to Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, there are two important characteristics of the scientific method are an empirical approach and a skeptical attitude which scientist adopt toward explanations of behavior and mental processes.” An empirical approach, which relies on direct observation and experimentation for answering questions, was cited for developing the science of psychology” (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, p. 6). They also added that “the empirical approach emphasizes direct observation and experimentation as a way of answering questions” (p. 7). It was stated that empirical approach is perhaps the most important characteristics of scientific method. Using empirical approach “psychologists focused on behaviors and experiences that could be observed directly” (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, p. 7). Researchers use the scientific method, which emphasizes an empirical approach to understanding behavior; this approach relies on direct observation and experimentation to answer questions. According to Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, scientific practice occurs in historical, social-cultural, and moral contexts. “Historically, the computer revolution was instrumental in the shift in emphasis from behaviorism to cognitive psychology” (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, p. 23). Many psychologists, past and present, have helped to develop the diverse field of psychology. When it comes to the social-cultural context it “influences psychological research in terms of what researchers choose to study and society’s acceptance of their findings” (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, p. 23).Culture also influences research when ethnocentrism occurs. In this bias people attempt to understand the behavior of individuals who live in a different culture through the framework or views of their own culture. The moral context demands that researchers maintain the highest standards of ethical behavior. A skeptical attitude regarding claims about the causes of behavior and mental processes is another important characteristic of the scientific method in psychology. Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister (2006) stated “to think like a researcher is to be skeptical regarding claims about the causes of behavior and mental processes, even those that are made on the basis of published scientific findings” (p 14). According to Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister (2006) behavioral scientists are skeptical because they recognize that behavior is complex and often many factors interact to cause a psychological phenomenon.
The human thoughts and behaviors are influenced by internal and external elements like genetics and environment. The psychologist in turn will delve into research by questioning about the influences and determine the correlations if any, between whatever factors are present or exist. By answering questions concerning the different influences will involve research, investigation, observation, and experimentation. A psychologist would first need to form an operational definition based on the assumed theory and construct a hypothesis. For example, impulsivity and alcoholism both need to be defined with a little more emphasis on impulsivity. When the operational definition is established, then the hypothesis is constructed. Using the impulsivity and alcoholism, an initial hypothesis could be something to the effect of: impulsivity of an individual can lead to alcoholism. Now to see if this is true and alcoholism can be predicted, one would need to collect data. Next is to determine a particular population to sample in respect to the hypothesis. In this instance, a test could be conducted to measure impulsivity levels of an individual within a sampled population of alcoholics. The hypothesis is proven true if the alcoholics score high. The process above represents psychology in respect to science and the study of the human thoughts and behaviors in the scientific sense using the scientific method. The step clearly shows the scientific method as asking questions, form a theory and hypothesis, collect data, analyze data, and finally draw conclusion.
Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister (2006) stated that another decision that the
researcher must make is whether to do quantitative or qualitative research. “Quantitative research refers to studies in which the findings are mainly the product of statistical summary and analysis and qualitative research produces verbal summaries of research findings with no statistical summaries or analysis” (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, p. 44). They also added “just as psychological research is more frequently nomothetic than idiographic, it is also more typically quantitative than qualitative” (p 44). Qualitative research data are most obtained from both observations and interviews and such data is usually used to describe individuals, groups and social movements. It is important to keep in mind that “both quantitative and qualitative research are used to describe behavior” (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister and Zechmeister, 2006, p. 44).
Theories are assumed explanations for the causes of different scenarios and phenomena. Scientific theories are logically organized; describing the relationship in different events and occurrence. The success of theories take on the empirical knowledge, leads the research to testable hypothesis and rigorous testing is survived (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, and Zechmeister, 2006). Theories are also judged by the internal consistency. One key factor is that doing science is to maintain objectiveness and provide conclusion. Keep in mind theories are basically ideas illustrating how nature will work. Psychologists will generate theories about the natural behaviors and mental thoughts and processes. The theory construction and testing are at the core to the scientific approach to psychology. Remember, a theory can be defined as an organized set of propositions that serves to define events, the relationships of events, and explain occurrence of events. Theories are important to the functions of organizing the empirical knowledge and guiding research with testable hypotheses. Intervening variables are critical to theory development in psychology because these constructs allow researchers to explain the relationships between independent and dependent variables (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, and Zechmeister, 2006).
References
What is psychology?! (2009). Retrieved April 12, 2009, from BBC Web site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/articles/psychology/what_is_psychology.shtml
