Introduction

Psychology uses structured methods to understand behavior, thoughts, and feelings. This article summarizes the core research approaches that make psychological findings reliable.

Key Concepts

Experimental design tests cause and effect using controlled variables.

Observational research records behavior without interference.

Surveys and questionnaires collect self-reported attitudes and experiences.

Correlation identifies relationships but does not prove causation.

Ethical standards protect participants and ensure results are valid.

Examples / Experiments

Laboratory experiments isolate variables, such as measuring how sleep affects memory.

Naturalistic observation studies behavior in real settings, like children at play.

Longitudinal studies follow the same people over time to track development.

Case studies examine one individual in depth, often revealing rare conditions.

Cross-sectional studies compare different groups at a single time point.

Key Takeaways

Research methods shape…