the basis of any scientific knowledge are certain methods of understanding reality, thanks to which branch of science get the data required for processing, interpretation, construction of theories.In each industry has its own specific set of methods.But in general, scientific methods are the same for all and, in fact, their use and distinguishes science from pseudoscience.
Empirical research methods, their features and types
One of the oldest and most widely used research methods are empirical methods.In the ancient world were empiric philosophers to learn about the world through sensory, sensory perception.Here and emerging research techniques, which literally means "the perception of the senses."
Empirical methods in psychology are considered major and most accurate.In general, the study features of mental development of a person, you can use two main methods: a cross-section, which includes empirical studies, and longitudinal, so-called longetyud when one person is the subject of study over a long time period, and when so identified features of its personalitydevelopment.
empirical methods of cognition suggest the events, their fixation and classification, as well as establishing relationships and laws.They consist of different types of observations, experimental laboratory research, psycho-diagnostic procedures, biographical descriptions exist in psychology from the XIX century, ever since, she began to stand out as a separate branch of knowledge of other social sciences.
Observation
Observation as a method of empirical research in psychology is in the form of self-observation (introspection) - subjective knowledge of his own psyche and the objective external observation.And and then, and another comes indirectly, through the symptoms of mental processes in various forms of activity and behavior.
In contrast to everyday observation, science must meet certain requirements, the architecture methodology.In the first place defined by its goals and objectives, and then select an object, the subject and the situation, as well as methods that will provide the most complete information.In addition, the results of observations are recorded and then interpreted by the researcher.
various forms of surveillance are certainly interesting and indispensable, especially when you want to make a more general picture of human behavior in natural conditions and situations that do not require intervention of a psychologist.However, there are certain difficulties in the interpretation of the phenomena associated with the personal characteristics of the observer.
experiment
addition to observation in psychology often used empirical methods such as laboratory experiments.They differ in that they are studying the causal relationships in an artificial environment.In this case, experimental psychologist is not just simulates a particular situation, but is actively working on it, change it, vary the conditions.Moreover, the created model can be repeated several times, respectively, and the results obtained in the experiment can be repeatedly reproduced.Experimental empirical methods allow us to make it possible to study the internal mental processes by external manifestations in an artificial situational model.There is a science and a kind of experiment as a natural experiment.Carry it in vivo or closest to him.Another form of the method - formative experiment, which is used to form and change human psychology while studying it.
Psychodiagnostics
psychodiagnosis Empirical methods are intended to describe and record the psychological characteristics of the individual, the similarities and differences between people with the help of standardized questionnaires, tests and questionnaires.
These basic methods of empirical research in psychology, as a rule, are used comprehensively.Complementing each other, they help to understand the peculiarities of the psyche, discover new aspects of personality.
