And Statistics for Psychology - Research Paper Example

Research and scientific methodology will also be defined in addition to a comparison between primary and secondary data. Research and statistics are two related components of psychology. Research is the scientific study or analysis of a given phenomenon. Statistics is a subdivision of applied mathematics that deals with univariate as well as multivaliate modules. The univariate concept is important when dealing or measuring a single concept while multivaliate is used when computing several variables.

Statistics plays a major role in psychology since it helps in assessing relationship between different variables or when determining how certain factors affect human behaviour. Psychological research entails use of various methodologies to test different phenomenon that range from sociological psychology to biological features. The results obtained from psychological research are utilized in various fields, which include education, clinical as wee as in industrial psychology (Nestor & Schutt, 2011; Drotar, 2000).

Scientific method is a system of techniques used for exploration of different phenomenon with the aim of correcting previous data or coming up with new information. Scientific methodologies are characterised by empirical and quantifiable evidence, which is used to verify hypotheses, observation, or results. Scientific methodology entails collecting of information through experimentation to acknowledge or reject hypothesis. Scientific investigation methodologies should be objective enough to be repeated to be ascertained or rejected depending on the results.

The objectivity helps to reduce biasness since science entails building up of information using previous information. Scientific methodology thus necessitates as set of principles that demands for formulation of hypothesis, derivation of deductions and conducting experiments to ascertain or reject the assumptions (Nestor & Schutt, 2011). The important steps followed in scientific method include identification of the research issue, analysis of the issue, consideration of suitable solutions, and identification of the most appropriate solution through testing of the available solutions, also referred to as hypothesis.

After testing the hypothesis, the results obtained are either beneficial or insignificant. The suitable or favourable solutions are assessed to select the most appropriate hypothesis. Scientific method is important in psychology as it helps in determining the reliability of different factors or situations (Drotar, 2000; Breakwell, 2006). Appropriate research methodologies help psychologists in designing suitable research techniques, gather unbiased data, analyse the findings, determine effect of different factors on a given phenomenon, and make sound and logical conclusions.

Formulating apt conclusion is important as it enables psychologists identify the right interventions, support their decisions, and facilitate development of client friendly solutions (Drotar, 2000; Breakwell, 2006). Statistics and research play a crucial role in organizational psychology studies. Different research and statistical methods are used in analyzing psychological data to make apposite conclusions. Statistics helps psychologists in determining variables that form bases of their data investigations as well as in measuring the data gathered.

There are different types of psychological statistics, which include descriptive statistics and meta-analysis