Introduction to research methods

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Statistics: Scientific method · Research methods · Experimental design · Undergraduate statistics courses · Statistical tests · Game theory · Decision theory

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A very wide range of research methods are used in psychology.

Some of the approaches include:

• Laboratory experimentation
• Correlational research
• Observational study, in which researchers study a population while attempting to change as little as possible.
• Experimental study, in which researchers change a variable in the group being studied.
• Psychometrics
• Prospective study, in which a study samples subjects as the experiment progresses. Cf. Retrospective study.
• Retrospective study, in which data is collected on subjects' histories at one time. Cf. Prospective study.
• Longitudinal study, in which subjects are studied over a course of time. Cf. Cross-sectional study.
• Cross-sectional study, in which a snapshot of the population is assumed to represent individuals as they progress through life. See also Longitudinal study.
• Meta analysis
• Qualitative research
• Computer simulation
• Concepts and Terms