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Looking for NCERT Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology Chapter 2 Methods of Enquiry in Psychology Notes? You’re in the right place! This blog gives you simple and clear notes that make it easy to understand the key concepts of this chapter. Whether you’re preparing for your exams or just want a quick revision, these notes will help you grasp the theories of continental drift, sea floor spreading, plate tectonics, and the fascinating reasons behind the present-day distribution of oceans and continents. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Goals of Psychological Enquiry
- 3 Steps in Conducting Scientific Research
- 4 Alternative Paradigms of Research
- 5 Nature of Psychological Data
- 6 Some Important Methods in Psychology
- 7 Analysis of Data
- 8 Limitations of Psychological Enquiry
- 9 Ethical Issues
- 10 Important Definition in NCERT Notes Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology Chapter 2 Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
- 11 FAQs
Explore Notes of Class 11 Introduction to Psychology
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Introduction
Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave. To learn about these things, psychologists use special ways called methods of enquiry. These methods help them find out facts about human behaviour in a careful and organized way. Instead of just guessing or assuming, psychologists use different methods like observing people, conducting experiments, asking questions through surveys, and giving tests. These methods help them understand why people act the way they do and how their minds work.
This chapter teaches us about the different methods psychologists use to study behaviour and mind. It also talks about the rules they follow to make sure their research is fair and does not harm anyone. By learning about these methods, we can understand how psychology gathers knowledge and how that knowledge helps us in real life.
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Goals of Psychological Enquiry
Psychology, as a scientific study of mind and behaviour, has several goals. These goals help guide psychologists in their research and practice. The primary objectives include description, prediction, explanation, control, and application.
- Description involves accurately observing and describing behaviour or mental processes. For example, psychologists may describe how people behave in stressful situations.
- Prediction is about forecasting behaviours based on observed patterns or previous studies. For instance, predicting how a student might perform under exam stress.
- Explanation aims to identify causes and reasons behind behaviours. This involves understanding why people behave in certain ways.
- Control refers to the ability to modify behaviour through psychological interventions. For example, therapy to reduce anxiety.
- Application means using psychological knowledge practically, such as designing better teaching methods or workplace strategies.
Steps in Conducting Scientific Research
Scientific research in psychology is a structured and systematic process. It generally follows four key steps:
- Conceptualising a Problem: This first step involves identifying a specific question or problem that needs investigation. A clear, well-defined problem helps focus the research.
- Collection of Data: After framing the problem, psychologists gather data through various methods such as experiments, observations, surveys, or tests.
- Drawing Conclusions: Data analysis helps researchers interpret their findings and determine if their hypotheses are supported.
- Revising Research Conclusions: Scientific research is dynamic; conclusions may be revised based on new evidence or further studies to refine understanding.
Alternative Paradigms of Research
Psychology utilizes multiple research paradigms, reflecting the diversity of human behaviour:
- Quantitative Research focuses on numbers and measurable data. It uses statistical techniques to test hypotheses and establish patterns.
- Qualitative Research emphasizes understanding meanings, experiences, and processes through non-numerical data like interviews and observations.
- Mixed-Methods Research combines both approaches to provide a more comprehensive view of psychological phenomena.
Nature of Psychological Data
Psychological data are different from the data used in subjects like physics or chemistry. First, they are context-dependent, which means people may behave differently in different situations. For example, a person might be quiet at school but talkative at home. Second, this data is often subjective, meaning it is based on personal thoughts and feelings. What one person feels may be very different from another. Third, there is a lot of variation in how people think and act. No two people behave in exactly the same way. That’s why studying human behaviour is not always easy, but it helps us understand people better.
Some Important Methods in Psychology
Psychologists use different methods to study human behaviour and mental processes. Each method has its own way of collecting information, and is chosen based on what the psychologist wants to find out.
Observational Method
Observation is one of the oldest methods used in psychology. It involves watching and recording behaviour without interfering.
- Naturalistic Observation takes place in real-life settings where behaviour occurs naturally.
- Controlled Observation happens in a laboratory or structured environment where variables can be controlled.
- Non-Participant Observation involves the observer watching from a distance without becoming involved.
- Participant Observation requires the observer to become part of the group or situation to gain deeper insights.
Experimental Method
Experiments are considered the most scientific and systematic way to study behaviour. By manipulating one variable (independent variable) and measuring its effect on another (dependent variable), researchers establish cause-effect relationships.
- Controlled Experiments are done in a lab where conditions are strictly regulated.
- Field Experiments take place in natural settings to increase real-world validity.
- Quasi-Experiments are used when random assignment is not possible, often in natural or social contexts.
Correlational Research
Sometimes it is not possible or ethical to manipulate variables. Correlational research studies relationships between variables without intervention. It tells us whether variables move together, but it does not prove cause and effect.
For example, a positive correlation between study hours and exam scores means they tend to increase together, but studying more doesn’t necessarily cause higher scores alone.
Survey Research
Surveys gather information from large groups through questionnaires or interviews. This method is efficient and useful for collecting data on attitudes, beliefs, or self-reported behaviour. However, survey results may be affected by biases such as social desirability or inaccurate recall.
Psychological Testing
Psychological tests are standardized tools designed to measure abilities, personality traits, intelligence, or attitudes. Tests can be:
- Verbal, relying on language skills,
- Non-verbal, using symbols or pictures, and
- Performance-based, measuring physical or motor skills.
Case Study
The case study method involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual or group over time. It provides detailed qualitative insights but may lack generalizability because findings from one case cannot be applied universally.
Analysis of Data
After collecting information through various methods, psychologists need to study and understand the data. This process is called analysis of data, and it helps them find patterns, draw conclusions, and answer their research questions.
Quantitative Methods: Quantitative data involve numbers and can be analyzed statistically. Common techniques include calculating averages (mean, median, mode), variability (standard deviation), and testing hypotheses.
Qualitative Methods: Qualitative data are descriptive and textual. Analysis involves identifying themes, patterns, and narratives that reveal meanings behind behaviours or experiences.
Limitations of Psychological Enquiry
Psychological enquiry faces certain challenges:
- Psychological measures often lack a true zero point, making comparisons difficult.
- Tools and tests may vary in different cultures or contexts, limiting their universality.
- Interpretation of qualitative data can be subjective and influenced by researcher biases.
Ethical Issues
Ethics are paramount in psychological research. Researchers must ensure:
- Voluntary participation without coercion.
- Informed consent, where participants understand the study and agree to take part.
- Confidentiality to protect personal information.
- Debriefing participants after the study to explain its purpose.
- Minimizing harm to avoid physical or psychological distress.
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Important Definition in NCERT Notes Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology Chapter 2 Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
This chapter helps us understand how psychologists study behaviour in a scientific way. Below are some important terms from the chapter, explained in simple and easy language for better understanding.
1. Psychological Enquiry: The scientific way of studying and understanding human behaviour and mental processes using proper methods.
2. Correlational Research: A method used to find out if there is a relationship between two things (variables), without changing or controlling them.
3. Psychological Test: A tool used to measure a person’s mental abilities, personality, or behaviour in a standardized way.
4. Case Study: A detailed and deep study of one person, group, or event to understand specific psychological issues or behaviours.
5. Variable: Any factor or condition that can change and affect the result of a study. For example, age, mood, or study time.
6. Hypothesis: A possible explanation or prediction that a researcher tests through a study.
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FAQs
Psychologists use different methods because human behaviour is complex and varies from person to person. Different questions require different approaches, like observing, experimenting, or asking people directly.
Psychologists use different methods because human behaviour is complex and varies from person to person. Different questions require different approaches, like observing, experimenting, or asking people directly.
An experiment studies cause-and-effect by changing one thing to see how it affects another. A survey collects information from people using questions to understand their opinions or behaviours.
Not always. Psychological data are often influenced by personal feelings, situations, and individual differences, so answers may not be exact but still give useful insights.
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