​Learning Objectives

• ​Define what is research

• ​Discuss the scientific method

​Success Criteria

• ​You will be able to define research

• ​You will be able to explain the steps of the scientific method

​What is Research?

​Psychology is regarded as a science. A social science to be precise .

​Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes.

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​All statements made in Psychology must be supported by evidence, otherwise the statements will be treated as opinions rather than facts.Knowledge in Psychology is built through systematic seeking of knowledge.

​Therefore it is important for Psychologists to engage in research.

​According to the Hampshire College website Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information, in accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and academic disciplines.

​The Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a process that scientists use to better understand the world around them. It includes making observations and asking a question, forming a hypothesis, designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing a conclusion. This is sometimes also referred to as scientific inquiry​