Designing a Psychological Study - Coursework Example

Designing a Psychological study Designing a Psychological study This paper aims at investigating the differences in an individual’s personality through the use of quantitative methods. The design of a psychological study is essential at the level of different aspects of the study. There is one dependent variable and two independent variable variables that are in use in this study design. Different research instances are meant to replicate previous outcomes as illustrated by researchers. The gender differences in the design are extensive judging by the variances seen in the outcomes that are associated with personality traits. The personality traits give differing result dimensions depending on the level of research aspects with different gender differences. The outcomes indicate that the women scored higher than the men on the different research variables. The diversity in the genders was visible at different aspect levels while making them unidentifiable at various levels. The outcomes also clarify the relationship between gender differences and personality traits at different aspect levels. Introduction Communication between men and women is a psychological activity that is characterized by differences informed by different perceptions of men and women. There are a number of examples where men and women are seen to exhibit differences in the way they interact and communicate with one another. The difference is substantially large while communication between men and women may be termed as difficult. This can be attributed to the different biological roles that are played by men and women in the event of reproduction and propagation of their species. The differences in the psychology of men and women is extreme than the biological differences. This study is useful in investigating the psychological differences that are visible between different genders. Individual personality is defined as the extent in which an individual may display high or low levels of particular personality traits. Traits refer to the consistent patterns of feelings, thoughts, behaviors and motives that are displayed by individuals. Different traits are associated to different psychological behaviors that an individual may exhibit at an instance. An individual who scores high in a specific trait is likely to exhibit psychological tendencies related to that trait. This also applies to individuals who score lower on a particular trait. Different studies have different demands that are associated with different specifications to ensure that researchers make appropriate findings during the study. There are principles that are applicable in every research study. These principles are as follows; the study should practically feasible and ethical to ensure that all study concerns are addressed (Richardson et al. 2011, p.93). Every decision that is made during the time when the research is conducted should be reported in sufficient detail for all competent researchers. The differences observed in gender and personality traits are categorized in terms of the gender that scores high on a trait based on the average of a research study (Richardson et al. 2011, 103). There is a notion that women are more agreeable than men who are used as subjects of a study. This translates to a nature that illustrates how women are tender, nurturing and caring than men. This does not mean that men may also be tender minded and nurturing or experience caring tendencies. The aim of investigating the differences in personality traits is to illustrate different behavioral patterns between men and women on the average scale. This is coupled with the understanding that men and women can have states and experiences that cuts across most of the personality traits. The five main traits that are exhibited in men and women are as follows; Neuroticism, agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness and openness. The control issues that are to be considered in the study should not obscure the outcome of the study. This can be controlled by devising ways that can be used to control issues of obscurity. The methods of standardization, generic controls and other controls are specified in the study. The procedures used in the study include what the course intends to investigate and the order of the study. The differences in the conditions are also investigated using the appropriate experiments (Richardson et al. 2011, p.193). Some of the procedures that are essential in the study include briefing of the research personnel and data collection. The sample used in the study is also essential because they illustrate the boundaries in which the studies can be conducted. It is also essential to determine from whom the data will be collected and where it will be gathered from during the study. The target population is specified while two sampling methods are applied on the research sample. The methods include opportunistic, stratified, random and systematic sampling methods. The sampling procedure needs to be specified to ensure that all the samples have been determined and analyzed appropriately. The hypothesis and analysis of the study illustrates what would be predicted as an outcome of the study. The patterns exhibited in the gender differences are expected to illustrate the need to analyze the variable that are presented in the study. The domains in the study are wide and encompass a number of personalities that are associated to the two independent variables. There is more specificity that is needed to find out the origins of the gender differences. This research also aims at replicating previous outcomes about gender differences at different personality traits. Issues concerning experimental, null and data analysis are specified using a comparison of various research means. A correctional analysis is also conducted on the basis of the study (Roberts et al. 2007, p. 67).The study was designed and implemented in a quasi experimental design that involves a comparison between the individual differences in personality through the use of quantitative methods. Materials participants, procedures and methods The participants in this study are males and females that were selected from different educational institutions in the United Kingdom. Participants (N=2500; 900 male, 1600 female). Much of this data was collected in the metropolitan areas within the United Kingdom through online survey and laboratory studies. A majority of the participants were white, about 70% while other was Asians, and Africans. The demographic data used in this study allowed the participants to choose from the three ethnic categories, or specify their ethnicity as other in the absence of their ethnic groups. The coding method used in the study is structured as interviews will be associated with different feelings depending on the personality traits. The personality measures for the study were designed to assess the personality traits of men and women (Roberts et al. 2007, p.167). The items that were selected for the study were similar in their correlation with various personality traits. The aspect factor used in the study is estimated to be about 0.1, which is greater than the correlation with other factors. The model includes coding and creation of scenes that resemble a study situation. The preparation of an interview schedule is an essential step that can be initiated to direct the execution of the study. An initial study is conducted through the use of semi schedules that are meant to facilitate the complete research study. The table illustrates the outcomes of the research findings The reliabilities for Big Five personality traits and aspect scales by sample British Online Survey ESCS MTurk Sample size 2500 482 338 Enthusiasm 0.83 0.82 0.80 Assertiveness 0.86 0.86 0.84 Compassion 0.82 0.84 0.79 Politeness 0.73 0.75 0.76 Industriousness 0.81 0.81 0.81 Orderliness 0.75 0.80 0.81 Volatility 0.89 0.85 0.88 Withdrawal 0.81 0.84 0.81 Intellect 0.80 0.84 0.68 Openness 0.74 0.78 0.71 Extraversion 0.88 0.85 0.86 Agreeableness 0.82 0.84 0.85 Conscientiousness 0.82 0.84 0.86 Neuroticism 0.89 0.89 0.90 Openness/Intellect 0.80 0.85 0.78 Aspect average 0.82 0.82 0.79 Domain average 0.77 0.85 0.85 Table 1 A semi structured interview plays a significant role especially when it comes to carrying out an initial study that is meant to guide the entire study. The semi structured interview design is sufficient in terms of flexibility to ensure that an individual’s understanding is fostered. The entire process is also clarified to ensure that different hazards are also clarified. Different materials and standards are used for the control of the procedures used in the study (Roberts et al. 2007, p.197). The models are applied in the study according to different scenarios for every study. The scenario for every research instance is summed to give the overall score for the integrated research samples. There is a need for the researchers to be blind to the study aims in consideration of the reliability and of different response codes. The coding is also checked to ensure that respond patterns are consistent to the study aims as reflected by the researchers. The sampling is done in different instances through explanation of that the research is interested in their psychological well being. The target population is the average British child, who is the chosen subject because of their unpredictable behaviors. Young children develop different behavioral tendencies that are essential in determining the study outcome (Roberts et al. 2007, p.197). The children are audio recorded and are transcribed for the purpose of scoring and determination of the research outcome. The sample data can also be obtained from students who study in different schools. Students from local primary schools and other educational sectors are also essential study subjects as illustrated by the researchers. This is the most useful method that is applicable in the process of collecting data in the study design process. The outcome is reflected in the lower average scores where the mean scores are compared between the outcomes. The collected data is analyzed using non parametric test of differences within an acceptable constant value. An informed consent is used to determine whether a study is ethical or if the study subject has accepted to take part in the study. The informed consent is obtained and handed to the research subject to indicate that they agree with intention to carryout the research. There is also a necessity to obtain a letter from a parent or a close guardian or teacher before carrying out the survey (Richardson, 2010, p.203). The aim of the study is elaborated clearly on the letter of consent using plain English language. The necessary care given to the collected to ensure that the outcome is precise and accurate. The following is an example of a study design that was conducted to understand the psychology of women. Females are the most misunderstood genders of the human race. This is attributed to the fact of assuming that one can treat all women the same. Women are attracted to social status and the self confidence of the people they are associated to at all time. It is essential to understand them first in order to enjoy having relationships with them. One is able to understand how to please them after understanding the behavior of women (Rawlings & Ciancarelli 2007, p.137). The psychology of women is based on understanding the behavior of women and ensuring the attitude is well understood. It is a fact that all women are the same, and it takes some effort to understand their behavior. Different scholars have published different information on understanding female behavior. The psychology of women is also illustrated in some movies that are educative and informative. The Refrigerator mother is one movie that illustrates a mother’s dilemma in dealing with an unknown disorder. The victims of the behavior indulge in mysterious activities with speech difficulties and some self isolation. The movie is set in the 1950s and 1960s period when the earlier cases of autism were mysterious and incomprehensible (Rawlings & Ciancarelli, 2007, p.157). A medical practitioner who spent most of his time in a Nazi concentration camp associated the disorder to prisoner behavior. He explained that Autism was a psychological disorder associated to a detachment and inadequate presence of the mother. The theory was proved wrong as many women had successfully raised their children although they were labeled refrigerator mothers. Many women resisted the medical theory as they did their best in raising their children. The role of women in the advocacy for autistic children’s rights is well illustrated in the study through their efforts. It shows the strong bond that outlives the medical theory that is seen to be having an error. The study is testament of the different themes such as the reaction of people towards women (Plante, 2010, p.87). Many people accord higher respect to males than to females as portrayed in the study. It is also evident that women are less visible in significant areas than women when they are not appreciated. The women had been misjudged by the society, but they never stopped being committed mothers to their children. The 2010 production is a testament that things have gotten worse as opposed to the expectation that things would lighten up. The study explores how advertisers have portrayed femininity in their advertisements. It illustrates that the ideals of women have continuously been destroyed with the advancement of time (Plante 2010, p.97). The image of women has consistently been violated in many advertisement instances. This is as is explored in the study. The representation of women in the study illustrates that the psychological gender differences are small. It is also testament that women are not significantly present in many important areas as portrayed by the study. The strength of this video is visible by its success in portraying the image of the women in the society. The issues presented in the video are relevant in today’s life as it influences the behavior of many women. The influences are manifested in the dress code and fashion likes and dislikes. The advertisements shown in the study shows the level of permissiveness of the society over protecting the ideals of women (Mitchell & Jolley 2013, p.81). There is concern that society should be aware of the health issues surrounding the issues. The health issues include obsession to thinness and violence against women. The research is an exploration of the experience of several girls in the society that they live. They display a form of aggression referred to as relational which is common among female members of the society (Rogelberg, 2007, p.73). The research study illustrates the experiences of social life in several social settings that are illustrated by different groups of girls. The study is testament of the various behaviors of the behaviors of different girls of the puberty stage of life. The study explores the how the aggression impacts the lives of many people. The aggressive bullying behavior is notably prevalent in different levels of societal life because of its effects on the girls. This is attributed to the fact that popularity is equated to power. Many young women yearn for this power which leads to their behavior and desire to have the power. Many believe that they can achieve this by aggressive behavior against other girls. This behavior is testament that the behavior of women varies among different women (Mitchell & Jolley, 2009, p.87). It also illustrates that the psychological gender differences are inconsistent as portrayed by the behaviors of the girls. The issues related to gender equality are presented dominantly in the study. There is a great effort to treat the women equally to their male counterparts. The girls are eager to dominate over their friends and be in a position of power. This study revolves the menstrual experience that girls go through in their lives. The research illustrates the societal view on the menstrual cycle (McBride, 2010, p.301). The study provides an educational view of this phenomenon in an ironical way that is also humorous. The study explores the realities of menstruation as apart from the myths that are associated to the experience. The study is ideal in sensitizing women on what they can achieve despite the challenges that they go through including menstruation. This study is essential in demonstrating the challenges that women face in their quest of becoming equal to men. It also gives an overview of how women vary from each other in different ways. The strength of the video is illustrated on the courage and the resilience of women to overcome the issues they go through. The weakness of the video is portrayed its failure to indicate the appreciation of the society towards women (Mash & Wolfe, 2010, p.169). The main insight that is portrayed in the study is the endless struggles that women face as part of their lives. The gender puzzle is a scientific overview of the formation of the chromosomes that form the basis of life in human beings. It focuses on different people with different gender issues that are a cause of concern in the society. The study is essential for people who suffer from intersex issues (Leong & Austin, 2006, p.171). This is attributed to the biological formation in people’s bodies. Women and men are equally affected by the intersex issues, but women are the most hit by these issues. This is because women are less visible in significant areas of society than men. They are likely to be targeted by other members of the society as a result of these issues. Issues of gender equality are presented differently as women are not given equal treated as men. Due care is essential to ensure that would be participants are not distressed as they are accorded utmost priority as an essential subject. Debriefing is also essential because helps reassure individuals while ensuring that risks and misconceptions are addressed or corrected. The participants are also anonymised to ensure that their identities are protected. The participants and parents of the children who have been selected for the study are given a summary of what is required in the research outcomes. There are two independent variables that are involved in this study. They include the genre of music that the individuals are interested in and the gender of the research subjects (Upton et al, 2011, p.47). The music that is most preferred by most respondents is classical music. The study illustrates the differences between the individuals involved in the study. The difference in the outcomes is illustrated between classical music fans and others that are not fans of classical music. Gender is also an independent variable that helps in determining the outcome of the study. The two genders portray fundamental differences especially for males and female. The dependable variable is extraversion which is essential in the measures of ANOVA. APPENDIX A Table 1 List of References Leong, F. T. L., & Austin, J. T. (2006). The psychology research handbook: a guide for graduate students and research assistants. Thousand oaks, sage publications. Mash, E. J., & Wolfe, D. A. (2010). Abnormal child psychology. Belmont, Ca, Wadsworth cengage learning.s McBride, D. M. (2010). The process of research in psychology. Los Angeles, Sage. Mitchell, M. L., & Jolley, J. M. (2013). Research design explained. Australia, wads worth cengage learning Plante, T. G. (2010). Contemporary clinical psychology. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons. Http://public.eblib.com/eblpublic/publicview.do?ptiid=589100 Rawlings, D. and Ciancarelli, V. (1997) music preference and the five factor model of the neo personality inventory. Psychology of music, 25, 120-132 doi 10.1177/0305735697252003. Richardson, P., Vine, E., & Goodwin, A. (2011). Research methods and design in psychology. Exeter, learning matters. Roberts, M. C., & Ilardi, s. S. (2008). Handbook of research methods in clinical psychology. Malden, Ma [etc.], Wiley Interscience. Rogelberg, S. (2007). Handbook of research methods in industrial and organizational psychology. Chichester, John Wiley & Sons. Http://public.eblib.com/eblpublic/publicview.do?ptiid=351181. Upton, D., Upton, P., & Scurlock-Evans, l. 2011. Research methods and design in psychology. Exeter, learning matters` Read More