2. research methods and networks of psychology plan

2.4. Research methods of psychology
Every science is based on accurate data. Collecting, comparing, classifying and summarizing such phenomena of objective reality, it reveals the most important necessity for the creation of science, that is, the objective laws of the universe that exist independently of our will and consciousness. methods of obtaining this information are called scientific research methods or knowledge, theory, teaching. thus, the method is a direction of scientific research or a way of knowing some reality. the scientific method, according to its structure, consists of a set of approaches and procedures. with the help of scientific research methods, scientists get reliable information for later creating scientific theories and developing practical recommendations.
Psychology, like any science, has its research methods. All methods used in psychological research can be divided into four groups: 1) organizational methods; 2) experimental methods; 3) data processing methods; 4) interpretation methods. the first group includes comparative, longitudinal and complex methods. experimental methods of obtaining information: observation and self-observation (introspection), experimental methods (laboratory, natural, formative), psychological diagnostic methods (tests, questionnaires, questionnaires, stoichiometry, conversation, interview), analysis of activity products (chronometry, professional descriptions, product and performance evaluations, etc.), including biography and twin methods. data processing methods include quantitative (statistics) and qualitative (grouping of material, analysis) methods. interpretation methods include various genetic (analysis of the material by distinguishing separate periods, stages, dangerous situations, etc.) and structural (establishing a connection between the structures of all the characteristics of the psyche) methods. Now we will consider the main methods of psychological research in a more complete state.
The comparative method ("cross-sectional" method) consists of comparing people belonging to different groups according to their age, education, activity and communication. for example, two large groups of people of the same age and gender (students and workers) are studied with the same experimental methods to obtain scientific data, and the obtained data are compared.
Longitudinal method ("longitudinal" method) consists of repeated examination of selected subjects over a long period of time. for example, checking student’s multiple times during their university education.
Comparative and longitudinal methods have their advantages. The cross-sectional method allows to cover a large number of subjects with research in a short period of time. Longitudinal method makes it possible to note subtle differences, special types of development, which are overlooked by the section method. In practice, these two methods complement each other.
The collective method is a method of study that allows the participation of representatives of various disciplines in research to establish connections and connections between various phenomena, for example, physiological, psychological and social development of a person.
Observation is a method that consists of receiving the external symptoms of the psyche in a predetermined, systematic, appropriate and recorded state. The main condition of the scientific nature of this method is its objectivity, i.e., the possibility of control using re-observation or other methods of research, for example, experiments. Observation is of several types: standardized (conducted strictly in accordance with the established program), free (does not have pre-established boundaries), embedded (the researcher becomes a direct participant in the process he observes), hidden.
Depending on the location, observations are divided into field and laboratory observations. Field observations are conducted in natural conditions, and laboratory observations are conducted in artificial, i.e., pre-created conditions.
According to the regularity of conducting, observations are systematic (according to a plan developed to study the object for a certain period of time) and unsystematic (not based on a plan for an indefinite period of time).
According to the duration, tasks and scope of the phenomenon under study, observations are short-term (conducted at the initial stage of the research to control and supplement the data obtained by expressing hypotheses or using other methods) and long-term It is divided into long-term observations, which serve to observe the course of large-scale or complex social processes over months and years.
The following conditions are set for using the tracking method:
- the teste’s behavior should be comprehensively evaluated in its many forms and in different situations;
- the observer should be with the test taker for a long time (at least 2-3 months). Sessions should be held 3-4 times a week, their duration is set based on the purpose of observation;
- before the start of the observation process, it is necessary to determine the observable characteristics of the subject's behavior, and establish a connection between such characteristics of the behavior and the psychological characteristics that the researcher wants to evaluate using this method;
- the researcher must have previously received an observation exercise;
- in order to objectively solve the problem, it is necessary to avoid role relations between the examinee and the researcher;
- the test taker must be under the supervision of at least 10 psychologists at the same time, and the obtained grade should be the average of the points determined by each psychologist. It is necessary that all psychologists are not connected to each other. This situation increases the effectiveness of the results (evaluation method).
The method of self-observation, or introspection (from Latin - I look inside) is a person's observation of his personal mental phenomena. It is the oldest and most convenient means of knowing the psyche. Its discovery was attributed to the French philosopher René Descartes, who believed that consciousness is a separate, material and non-dispersed substance that is a direct and direct representation of what happens inside the subject when he thinks. He was inspired by his brilliant ideas about direct knowledge. Looking at yourself and your mind is the essence of introspection.
Through self-observation, inner experiences, mysterious thoughts, images raised from memory, desires and volitional processes contrary to society's views are revealed. Both the scientist himself and his client - the examiner - can be engaged in self-observation.
Testers are shown separate visual or auditory stimuli, images of objects, words, sentences; they should be received, compared, and informed about the resulting perceptions. In this case, test-takers should not use terms describing external objects in their answers, but talk about their feelings and their qualities caused by these objects.
According to the Italian doctor-philosopher Roberto Assadgioli, the founder of the new direction of modern psychology - psychosynthesis, the main director of our consciousness is the higher "I", and the actors under him are the separated parts of our "I". When a person examines his inner world and listens to it, it becomes clear that there are secondary, tertiary, quaternary and other "I's" with good or bad companions. Self-observation takes the main place as a method of learning and discovering new theoretical perspectives.
Psycho-physical methods
A branch of psychology that deals with the study of the relationship between physical and mental phenomena called psychophysics. In this sense, the term psycho-physical methods can be connected to all the methods of using physical devices for scientific measurements of certain psychological experiments such as the feeling of weight, brightness, size, and other similar variables. and other complex psychological phenomena such as sleep intervals or memory, as well as the use of psycho-physical methods can be studied.
Three classic psychophysical methods developed by the German physiologist and physicist Fechner (1801-1887), still the father of psychophysics. They are:
(I) methods or methods of minimal changes in constraints.
(II) method of constant stimulation or right and wrong answers.
(III) Mean or mean error method.
These methods are primarily used to measure the difference between absolute eve and eve. And absolute, floor and floor differences are statistical concepts and are measured in almost the same way. Absolute, the floor can be defined as the minimum value of physical stimulation that produces a reliable feeling.
The absolute limit So we, we, the brightness of the light, what we can not and therefore can not be seen, distinguishes those who can not smell smells from those who can not hear the sounds.
The difference itself can be perceived by the subject, and the value between the two stimuli can be defined as the smallest difference. When a person is suffering from a certain weight to put his hand, the general first is inseparable, for example, the minimum weight, the floor difference, is attached to it. Let's now give a brief idea of ​​the three psychophysical methods mentioned above. minimal changes or restrictions.
This method can be used to determine the absolute threshold and threshold difference. The procedure is described as follows:
1. An individual is exposed to feelings. For example, you can ask whether an object (80 cm, for example) lies at a certain distance or not.
The main method of psychology is experiment. The experimental method is used in order to gain more accurate information about the cause-and-effect relationships between the researched phenomena, social or psychological processes, views, laws, and the characteristics of achieving new knowledge. In contrast to observation, in addition to visual information, an understanding of connections, relationships, and processes is given in the experience.
The experiment was formed and exists as a verification method to prove a hypothesis based on theoretical ideas about the existing relationships between the characteristics of the phenomenon being studied. According to the methodological plan, the first stage is the analysis of the research object, the second stage is the formation of hypotheses about the nature or direction of relations between the variables, and the third stage is the independent and independent division of the variables. It is divided into different types. Separation of variables in the experiment is the result of preliminary theoretical analysis of the object. Those on which the researcher's influence is directed are called controlled and independent variables. After that, the methodological part of the experiment begins. After determining the purpose of the research and preparing the program, two groups - experimental and control groups - will be formed.
According to the regulation, psychologists list the following important requirements for experiments: a clear direction according to research hypotheses; high knowledge and complete description of the research object; strictly control the conduct of experimental procedures, ensure their accuracy; the possibility of redevelopment, repetition; availability of methods, monitoring and measuring tools suitable for the social object.
When conducting experimental research, it is necessary to know the following.
The subject of the experiment is the relations and connections between the properties of the studied object and the system of factors that determine its social activity and behavior.
Variables in the experiment are controlled and uncontrollable factors that directly and indirectly affect the state of the object under study. A system of variables leads to an experienced situation, and this situation is defined by the same system. The main variables can be independent and related. An independent variable is a factor that is changed by the researcher and included in the work of the experimental group. A dependent variable is a factor that changes under the influence of an independent variable.
An experimental situation is a set of conditions under which an experiment is conducted. It can be conducted in field and laboratory conditions.
The object of the experiment is a social group, team, person (participants of the experiment). In the experiment, two different objects are distinguished: control and experimental groups. The structure of the two groups makes it possible to identify differences and to judge whether the expected changes have occurred or not. The number of participants in the experiment is usually not so large, in most cases it does not exceed 10-15 people.
The experimental group is the group affected by the experimental factor (independent variable).
The control group does not feel the influence of experimental factors.
If the controlled (independent) variables in the experimental group are changed, the independent variables in the control group remain unchanged. The control group serves as the comparison unit.
Let's take a look at more common experimental methods.
Laboratory experiments are carried out in artificial environments with the help of strict control of influencing factors using special devices. For example, studying the characteristics of human thinking. The test taker is offered a series of mental tasks to be solved within the allotted time. Completion of each task is evaluated with certain points, and the sum of points is an indicator of the level of mental development.
A natural experiment is a psychological experiment that is imperceptibly included in the experimenter's activity or communication, it is carried out in natural conditions without the intervention of the researcher. Natural experience is created by life itself, and the experimental situation occurs without the active participation of the researcher. For example, a person suddenly becomes ill, in which case the illness is known to have some effect on his psyche and behavior. How? The answer to this question can be found in the experiment, during the experiment the patient is observed by a psychologist and he compares the patient's condition before and after the illness.