Microsoft Word Chapter 1 done doc

 
PSYCHOLOGY : 
 
There are many ways through which the topics for research 
projects are formulated. Some are formulated by informal, day-to-
day observations of the social world, events around us. Social 
psychologists observe and take note of these incidents and plan 
research to increase their understanding of that aspects/events. 
However, sometimes ideas or topics for research is suggested by 
the earlier studies. Earlier research indicated need to further 
explore some of the facts. Successful experiments not only answer 
questions posed but also raise new questions. Therefore, the 
research work based on such ideas are valuable in the field.
Even though these are the various ways through which the 
ideas for research are generated, the most important basis for 
research ideas in social psychology is formal theories. 
Theories are defined as the efforts by scientists in any field 
to answer the question Why? Theories involve attempts to 
understand why certain events or processes occur as they do. 
Where other type of research tries to observe and describe the 
various social behaviours, the research based on theories tries to 
explain and attempt to understand the principles behind it. 
Regardless of how they are expressed, theories consist of 
two main parts: (1) several basic concepts and (2) statements 
concerning relationships among these concepts. 
Formulation of a theory is just the first step in a continuing 
process, however. Only theories that have been carefully tested 
and confirmed are useful. After a theory is proposed, several steps 
are undertaken: (i) Predictions are listed from the theory. (ii) These 
predictions are listed in accordance with basic principles involved in 
that theory. These predictions are known as hypotheses. For 
example, if people have more tolerance of frustrations than they 
exhibit less aggressive behaviour. (iii) These hypotheses are tested 
in actual research. (iv) If they are confirmed, confidence in the 
accuracy of the theory is increased. If they are disconfirmed, 
however, confidence in the theory is reduced. (v) Then the theory 
is revised to generate new predictions. Having evidence obtained 
thorough research is an important feature of useful theories. 
Theories considered useful by scientist have several features. First, 
it will explain why people high on frustration tolerance show less 
aggressive behaviour. Second, successful theory can be expanded 
so that it will explain a wide range of phenomena.

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It must be remembered that theories are open to test and 
are accepted with more or less confidence depending on the weight 
of available evidence. In addition, research is never undertaken to 
prove or verify theory.