The quality of our results depends on our research methods. We only get sensible results if our methodology makes sense.
At its core, research is the search for causality. It is applying the rules of systematic observation to people watching. We want to know if A causes B. Sometimes we can manipulate or change the value of A and see what happens to B. But it is not always that simple.
The process of research is often described as a circle with four parts: theory, model, variable and definition. The premise is that research is a linear process, You start with a group of ideas (theory) and convert them into a cluster of observable variable (model). The model specifies the variables (what to manipulate and what to measure). The data from the study helps define the problem better, which leads back to the theory.
This cyclic definition of the research process can turn the other way. And you can begin anywhere on the wheel you want. Variables can lead to models and also to more questions to define. And defining the problem can lead to theory development and to the selection of variables.
The round model is a good explanation of how research works in theory. In practice, psychology is much more theory-driven. The process is more like a funnel than a ball. Theories drive everything. 
Your theory determines your model components, which variables to measure, and what you are trying to prove. Theory also determines which statistics to use and how to interpret them.
Your theory is the basis of all your deductive reasoning. But you can ignore theory completely if you want restrict yourself to inductive reasoning. If you don’t have a theory, or don’t like them, you can simply collect data until a pattern emerges. Skinner took this atheoretical approach to research because he wanted to find universal principles that weren’t limited to a particular theory.
Psychology is about equally divided into clinical and research activities. The clinical side is the practical application of psychological theory to real life problems. In contrast, the experimental side tries to discover principles and processes, whether they are applicable in a clinical setting or not.
Experimental psychology uses many approaches to research. Although it is primarily deductive, it also uses inductive reasoning too. The methodology includes laboratory experiments, naturalistic observation, and correlational studies. The topics include attention, memory, perception, personality, therapy, education, development, and neurological processes.
A course in research is variously called Research Methods or Experimental Psychology. Despite some differences, these two courses cover the same general information, and institutions typically offer one or the other. If both are offered, Methods usually focuses on the theory, and Experimental focus on actually conducting studies. Although its name suggests a specific technique (experiments), experimental psych uses a wide variety of designs and approaches. It is best thought of as being any and all kinds of research.9
Here is a catalog style description of the course:
An introduction to the methods and techniques needed to conduct research. Special attention on correlational and experimental designs. Topics include theory building, data collection techniques, coding and integration of results. Statistics may be taken concurrently.
Here is what it really means:
This is a theory and thinking class. A solid background in statistics is not needed.
You should ta a class in research methods even if you want to be a shrink. Checking the progress of therapy is a type of research.
Let’s start with something you probably already know, and see if we can expand upon it.
Scientific Method
Want to jump ahead?
There are 10 things we are going to look at:
- Scientific Method
- Theories & Hypotheses
- Models & Variables
- Descriptive Studies
- Experimental Design
- Data Collection & Coding
- Blind & Double Blind
- Verification & Replication
- Decision Errors & Bias
- APA Style
Bonus
Independent Variable
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