Psychology
The Scientific Method In Psychology
Posted on February 19, 2011 |
Many college students, when they think of science, think of physics, chemistry, geology, biology, astronomy and other similar fields of study. Psychology, which is the study of the human psyche and of behavior, rarely comes to mind. But psychology is inherently scientific, which is why it is classified as a behavior science.
Like other scientists, psychologists hold a “scientific attitude,” meaning that every aspect of research is critically and skeptically examined, and all biases are purposefully ignored during the research process. As such, the scientific method plays an integral part in the process of psychological research.
The scientific method is a systematic approach to research that involves the use of critical observation and analysis as a means of drawing conclusions that explain the scientific findings resulting from testing a hypothesis based on initial observations. In other words, the scientific method involves the following steps:
1. Identifying a problem
2. Making an educated guess (or hypothesis) about a possible solution
3. Conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis
4. Analyzing and recording information collected during the experiment
5. Making a conclusion that explains the findings of the experiment.
Identifying a Problem
This first step is more complicated than one might think. First, the researcher must decide on the topic to be studied. Once a topic is chosen, the researcher needs to review all existing literature covering the topic of choice, including academic journals. government studies and psychology books. Doing so will help the researcher to understand what is already known about his or her topic. Many psychologists also will conduct an initial survey to gather basic information. Once all background research is completed the researcher is ready to form a testable hypothesis. Formulate a Hypothesis
A hypothesis takes vague ideas and translates them into a specific prediction about the relationship between variables. A good hypothesis uses specific language to identify a predicted cause and effect in a research study.
Testing the Hypothesis
To test a hypothesis, a researcher needs to create a study that will produce evidence to prove the hypothesis right or wrong. Psychologists, like other scientists, use two main forms of research to collect data: descriptive research and experimental research. Descriptive research involves observing and recording behavior and then using the recorded information to draw a conclusion. This type of research is typically seen in animal psychology and case studies.
Correlational studies, which are similar to descriptive research, identify relationships or correlations between non-manipulated materials. In experimental research, the psychologist artificially changes one of the variables and observes how this affects the other unchanged variable.
Analyzing Data and Drawing Conclusions
Once all the information regarding the study has been compiled, it must be examined. Using statistics, the researcher can summarize findings and decide if they support the hypothesis and then draw a conclusion, which is often publicized in academic journals.
The scientific method is important in psychology research because it provides a clear and understandable means of using collected information to draw verifiable conclusions.
Buy Tramadol Online Pharmacy
Posted on January 31, 2011 |
How much money is used to relieve moderate to severe pain? You all know that the right medicine tramadol tablet, it is necessary to relieve the pain immediately. However, you can go directly to the operating room and a pharmacy to buy drugs. You have to go to the clinic before receiving a prescription, and then you have to buy tramadol online pharmacy. This procedure is not only annoying when there is pain, but also more expensive because you have to pay twice because of payments to doctors and medicine prices. If you know tramadol is what you need, you might be interested in finding a flexible channel for the purchase of medicines without problems, and lower prices.
Limitation of the obligation to maintain a side effect of tramadol and be sure to get the correct dose of pain. This is due to tramadol and its components, which can be addictive after prolonged use. But if you know the right dose of pain, why not try to buy online without a prescription? Is a link to purchase cheap tramadol without a prescription in pharmacies reliable. The site also provides sufficient information on the components necessary for your safety and dose tramadol pain correctly.
Buy tramadol online is cheaper because you only pay for the price. This site contains links to U.S. licensed online pharmacy, which also has the limitation of freedom to buy tramadol package. When you want to buy online without prescription tramadol also express delivery services to ensure the package arrives to your address at the right time. In addition, the online pharmacy isavailable in theentire the web , so it is not difficult to find who sell tramadol with low price. Online pharmacy also has a good service so they are able to ship your order right to your address for 24 hours
Psychological Perspectives in the Modern Age
Posted on November 20, 2010 |
Since the 1960s, the various methods used by psychologists have changed remarkably. Now, most of them do not identify with any particular school of thought, and prefer to concetrate on a given specialty area instead. They generally use a more universal approach, drawing on ideas from a range of perspectives. What follows are some of the major perspectives that continue to play a role in the development of psychological thought and counseling today:
Through the study of human physiology, psychology gradually evolved and became a separate science, namely biological psychology-a perspective that stresses the biological and physical aspects of man’s behavior. It is enhanced by our present-day ability to do research and come to a greater understanding of the human nervous system and brain. Using tools such as PET amd MRI Scans, scientists can now determine the psychological effects of drugs, brain damage, and disease in a way that was never possible before.
Behavioral psychology is concerned with the way in which human behavior is learned and reinforced by relevant environmental variables. Its principles are generally applied in a mental health setting as counselors and psychiatrists use different techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental illnesses.
The cognitive perspective concentrates on our various mental processes including thinking, decision-making, memory and problem-solving. This approach has become increasingly popular in recent decades, due to the influence of Albert bandura, Jean Piaget, and others.
Cross-cultural researchers and psychologists study human behavior from a cultural perspective, and as a result, they have made important discoveries about the influence society and culture have on the individual’s thinking and related behavior.
Evolutionary researchers and psychologists apply the essential principles of evolution to various psychological phenomena. This approach maintains that certain mental processes have assisted humans in reproduction and survival throughout history.
Influenced by the work of Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and others, the humanistic perspective emphasizes the way in which motivation can influence human thought and behavior. With this approach, the concept of self-actualization is considered to be the key, along with other basic elements.
The psycho-dynamic perspective, which began with Sigmund Freud, focuses on early childhood events,interpersonal relationships, and the unconscious mind as factors in explaining human behavior and treating those who suffer from some form of mental illness.
The goal of researchers and practitioners in the field of psychology is to comprehend and interpret human emotion, thought and behavior. Their studies are based on certain topics or problems to be solved rather than any underlying philosophy, and they freely choose among various perspectives to shed some light on their investigation. Their findings also have practical applications in many areas, including the treatment of mental illness, self-help, and performance enhancement.
Forensic Psychology : Choosing the Right Graduate Program
Posted on October 1, 2010 |
Forensic psychology is a relatively new discipline, having only been formally recognized as a specialization within psychology by the American Psychological Association in 2001. Recently, many specialty schools and universities have started offering forensic psychology bachelor degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees that are tailored to students’ specific career goals. One such institution is Argosy University.As forensic psychology is a dual discipline incorporating psychology and law, many professionals have doctorate degrees in psychology and certified are as forensic psychologist by the American Board of Forensic Psychology. A practitioner in this field is normally appointed as an expert witness by a court in a certain jurisdiction based on his or her specialization and experience. For example, a forensic psychologist can be called in as an expert witness in a family court, civil court or criminal court.Choosing the right graduate program in forensic psychology can be confusing considering the many programs available and the numerous areas of specialization offered. The choice of graduate program depends primarily on a student’s career choice. Master’s degree programs are suitable for those who want to pursue a career in criminal investigation or law enforcement.
Students who want to practice as a forensic psychologist should pursue a doctorate degree. Some universities offer master’s programs in psychology specializing in legal systems or criminal justice, and some institutions offer degrees in forensic psychology specializing in counseling or family law. The options are limitless, depending on a student’s interest and career choice.Many institutions offer online classes in forensic psychology, which is very attractive to those who are working or not able to physically attend classes due to extenuating circumstances. Argosy University offers online programs designed for optimal interaction and learning, taught by teachers with real-world experience.Some universities offer grants or scholarships for their graduate program students. Certain associations and psychology foundations offer scholarships or grants based on specific areas of study. These include the American Psychological Foundation, American Academy of Forensic Psychology and American Bar Association.Forensic psychology is an interesting field; it is also one that requires serious dedication, hard work and commitment in order to fully attain the level of an expertice on the job. Choosing the right graduate program is certainly crucial in launching a stellar career.
Pursuing A Masters In Psychology
Posted on September 10, 2010 |
The importance of psychology in life cannot be taken for granted. Psychology is the science that deals with human behavior as well as that of the non human. Though the course is only 125 years old, it is needed in almost in all spheres of life. Its study has its roots in biology to sociology, trying to seek a relationship between the brain functions and the behavior or the relationship between the environment and the behavior. Since the subject is so vast, there is therefore a need for specialization. As mentioned earlier, psychology touches many aspects of life and so there are various fields of study. These fields are studied in detail at the masters level.
Since 1960, there has been an increase in the students who pursue a masters in psychology. There is competition for jobs which are psychology related and so more and more students are joining the courses. In fact, it has been observed that more than two thirds of the students graduating with a masters in psychology get jobs on field, which are outside psychology and only about one third are employed in jobs which are directly related to psychology. A large number of those employed after graduating with a masters in psychology work on data collection and analysis in various firms and institutions, both in the government circles and the private sector.
There are various subfields of psychology where one can specialize. For example, one can study masters to be a Clinical Psychologist. Here one can deal with emotional and behavioral disorders. There is also Cognitive and perceptual psychologists who study human perception, thinking, and memory and often work closely with behavioral neuroscientists to explain clearly the bases of perception or cognition from the biological perspective. One can also study to be Developmental psychologists to be able to solve issues dealing with the psychological development in people throughout their lives. Educational psychology is another field which is quite popular today. Here you learn how to enhance teaching and learning.
Other areas one can do a master include Engineering psychology, Evolutionary Psychology, Experimental psychology, Forensic psychology, which tries to solve legal issues by applying psychological principles and Health psychology which is a study of how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness. There is also industrial & organizational psychology where one can learn how to improve productivity in areas of work by employing psychological principles and research methods. There are many other areas too.
There are many universities in the USA which offer masters in psychology and one can opt for the course within the preferred specialization. The course normally takes two years. One should be a graduate holding a bachelors degree with a related subject. Some universities may enroll any student from any faculty but it’s always advisable to take a masters in psychology if you have a related bachelor’s degree.