Psychological Research

By Dr. Sharanjit Kaur | Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar

Learners enrolled: 542

Psychological Research refers to research conducted by psychologists to systematically study and analyze the experiences and behaviors of individuals or groups. It is a significant area of contemporary psychology to test different aspects of psychological function. In order to do this, the study of Psychological Research becomes very important.

Research in Psychology is conducted in accordance with scientific methodology. It encompasses both Quantitative and Qualitative modalities in order to generate and evaluate research hypothesis related to psychological phenomena. Psychology tends to be wide in scope, drawing on scientific knowledge to understand and describe psychological phenomena. Various methodologies, viz. observation, interview, case study, etc. are used to gather rich information which otherwise cannot be attained by classical experimentation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The primary objective of the course is to provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of the various methodologies and techniques through which research can be conducted in the field of Psychology.
The course aims to provide a good foundation for students aspiring to conduct research.
It also aims to provide students with the essential content and experiences they need to conduct a valid and reliable research.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

Understand what are psychological tests, the various steps through which a test can be standardized and the uses of psychological testing.
Familiarize with the good practices in conducting case study, observation, interview, surveys and Focus-Group Discussions.
Conduct research using Experimental Method and Quasi-Experimental Methods.
Describe the quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as their primary characteristics.
Understand the Ethical Issues in conducting research, including the issues that arise in using Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods.
Formulate a solvable research problem and will be able to identify a research problem stated in a study.
Formulate a research question or hypothesis relevant to the study.
Distinguish between a population and a sample.
Understand the various types of sampling methods.

Summary

Course Status :	Ongoing
Course Type :	Core
Duration :	12 weeks
Category :	Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit Points :	4
Level :	Undergraduate
Start Date :	15 Jul 2024
End Date :	31 Oct 2024
Enrollment Ends :	31 Aug 2024
Exam Date :	14 Dec 2024 IST
Shift :	2

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

UNIT 1

Basics of Research in Psychology

What is Psychological Research? The Goals of Psychological Research; Principles of

Good Research; Ethics in Psychological Research.

Research Traditions

Quantitative and Qualitative Orientations towards Research and their Steps;

Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Research Traditions; Formulating a Problem

and Developing a Testable Research Question / Research Hypothesis.

UNIT 2

Experimental Method

Introduction to Experimental and Quasi-experimental Methods.

Methods of Data Collection

Sampling; Probability Sampling Methods and Non Probability Sampling Methods.

UNIT 3

Non Experimental Methods (I)

Case Study; Observation; Surveys, Focus Group Discussion, Interviews.

UNIT 4

Non Experimental Methods (II)

Psychological Testing: Standardization; Reliability, Validity and Norms of a

Psychological Test; applications

Practicum: The students are required to conduct two practical, one from each of the

following groups.

1. Experiment / Psychological testing

One experiment based on group data analysis

One psychological test based on group data analysis

2. Qualitative Research Methods

Interview

Observation

Projective / Semi Projective Tests

Case Study

Books and references

Evans, A. N., Rooney, B. J. (2018). Methods in Psychological Research. United States: SAGE Publications.
James Harold Fox, Criteria of Good Research, Phi Delta Kappan, Vol. 39 (March, 1958).
Kerlinger, F. N. (1973). Foundations of Behavioral Research (2nd Eds.) New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Singh, A. K. (1986). Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavior Sciences. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill Co.
Williag, C. (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. Buckingham: Open University Press Coolican, H. (2019).

Instructor bio

Dr. Sharanjit Kaur

Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar

Dr. Sharanjit Kaur is a Ph.D. in Psychology from Panjab University. She is UGC-NET qualified. Presently, she is working as an Assistant Professor in P.G. Department of Psychology, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar (Punjab). She has 9 years of teaching experience. Her main areas of interest are - Research Methodology and Statistics, Psychometrics, Organizational Behavior, Clinical Psychology and Positive Psychology. Her career objective is to create a niche for herself in the chosen organization and do best for its growth and professional growth.

Course certificate

Assessment/Assignment marks will be considered for Internal Marks and will carry 30 percent for overall Result. End Term Exam- will have 100 questions and will carry 70 percent of overall Result. All students, who obtain 40% marks in in-course assessment and 40% marks in end-term proctored exam separately, will be eligible for certificate and credit transfer.

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