...10 Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology Deborah Biggerstaff Warwick Medical School University of Warwick, Coventry UK 1. Introduction In the scientific community, and particularly in psychology and health, there has been an active and ongoing debate on the relative merits of adopting either quantitative or qualitative methods, especially when researching into human behaviour (Bowling, 2009; Oakley, 2000; Smith, 1995a, 1995b; Smith, 1998). In part, this debate formed a component of the development in the 1970s of our thinking about science. Andrew Pickering has described this movement as the “sociology of scientific knowledge” (SSK), where our scientific understanding, developing scientific ‘products’ and ‘know-how’, became identified as forming components in a wider engagement with society’s environmental and social context (Pickering, 1992, pp. 1). Since that time, the debate has continued so that today there is an increasing acceptance of the use of qualitative methods in the social sciences (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000; Morse, 1994; Punch, 2011; Robson, 2011) and health sciences (Bowling, 2009; Greenhalgh & Hurwitz, 1998; Murphy & Dingwall, 1998). The utility of qualitative methods has also been recognised in psychology. As Nollaig Frost (2011) observes, authors such as Carla Willig and Wendy Stainton Rogers consider qualitative psychology is much more accepted today and that it has moved from “the margins to the mainstream in psychology in the UK.” (Willig & Stainton Rogers...
Words: 16075 - Pages: 65
...The Field of Social Psychology: How We Think About and Interact with Others Introduction: Interaction between individuals is a regular fact in life. The impact of relationships and interactions is of interest to Social Psychologists. This lecture will provide you with a basis for examining social behaviour and the various theories that explore human interaction and its resultant outcomes. Lecture #1 Notes: This week’s notes will provide a brief introduction into the discipline of Social Psychology - covering some of the basic principles and tenets of this branch of psychology before we dive into the topics and research. So what is Social Psychology? Definition of Social Psychology: the scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations. • Allport (1935) defined social psychology as the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. • Social Situations = actual, imagined or implied presence of others • Behavior = Overt behavior plus thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes • Scientific Field = Combination of Arts and Science skills How Does Social Psychology Differ from Sociology? • Differ in level of analysis Sociology: Tends to use societal level of analysis. How do unemployment rates affect levels of violent crime in Vancouver? Social Psychology: Tends to focus...
Words: 604 - Pages: 3
...GROUP INTERACTION JOURNAL ARTICLES Compiled by Lawrence R. Frey University of Colorado at Boulder Aamodt, M. G., & Kimbrough, W. W. (1982). Effects of group heterogeneity on quality of task solutions. Psychological Review, 50, 171-174. Abbey, D. S. (1982). Conflict in unstructured groups: An explanation from control-theory. Psychological Reports, 51, 177-178. Abele, A. E. (2003). The dynamics of masculine-agentic and feminine-communal traits: Findings from a prospective study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85, 768-776. Abele, A., Gendolla, G. H. E., & Petzold, P. (1998). Positive mood and in-group—out-group differentiation in a minimal group setting. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 24, 1343-1357. Aberson, C. L., Healy, M., & Romero, V. (2000). Ingroup bias and self-esteem: A meta-analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 4, 157-173. Abougendia, M., Joyce, A. S., Piper, W. E., & Ogrodniczuk, J. S. (2004). Alliance as a mediator of expectancy effects in short-term group psychotherapy. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 8, 3-12. Abraham, A. (1973a). Group tensions as measured by configurations of different self and transself aspects. Group Process, 5, 71-89. Abraham, A. (1973b). A model for exploring intra and interindividual processes in groups. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 23, 3-22. Abraham, A. (1974-1975). Processes in groups. Bulletin de Psychogie, 28, 746-758. Abraham, A., Geffroy, Y., & Ancelin-Schutzenberger...
Words: 146784 - Pages: 588
...Social Psychology Mandana Smith PSY/555 June 18, 2012 Deirdre A. Teaford, Ph.D. Social Psychology Insight by social psychology in regard to individual learning, interaction, and development of personalities. Developed over time on various relationships, a better understanding into reactions or actions based on other individuals and the environment provide some insight. The purpose of this paper is to define social psychology, analyze the four key characteristics of social psychology as well as explain the concept of situationism and role in social psychology, and identifying the five core social motives and explain the effects on social psychology. Defining Social Psychology Effects of cognitive and social process on an individual’s perceptions on influences in relation to others as a scientific study are defined as social psychology. Individuals influence each other whether by taking, behavior, actions, or walking that also influence affects on -the -job or career paths he or she takes. A product of his or her environment, other items, places or individuals can carry a positive or negative effect on individual personalities and development over time. Social psychology provides a better understanding into various aspects of human behaviors and interactions with...
Words: 1300 - Pages: 6
...Social Psychology Psych/555 April 8, 2013 Dr. Anthony Social Psychology Human social behavior has been studied for the last 100 years, giving social scientists insight into the influence of thought on behavior. In this endeavor, scientists have also provided theories on the human need to obtain and maintain close attachments as well as the influence of human interaction. The development of social psychology as a discipline has provided insight into the precarious nature of human behavior and social interaction. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the conceptual foundations of social psychology. Within this analysis will be the definition of social psychology, an analysis of its four key characteristics, an explanation of the concept of situationism, and identification of the five core social motives and how these concepts affect the field of social psychology. Social Psychology Social psychology can be defined as the study of how an individual’s situations influence his or her behavior, emotions, thoughts, etc., with particular focus on how individuals perceive as well as affect on another (Myers, 2008). Furthermore, social psychology primarily focuses on social relations, social influence, and social thinking. According to Myers (2008), social relations refers to certain attributes such as aggression, helping others, prejudice, and attraction and intimacy. Social influence comprises factors such as pressure to conform, biology and culture, groups of people, and...
Words: 1278 - Pages: 6
...Background of psychology Psychology has brief history as a scientific discipline though it has been studied since ancient time under the faculty of philosophy. The word psychology was derived from Greek word 'psyche' and 'logos' literal meaning of which was 'soul' and 'study' respectively. The definition of psychology had ever been in the process of change since then. The development of psychology can broadly be traced into four periods: Ancient Greek period, per-modern period, modern period and current status 1. Greek period: Greek philosophers had contributed much for the development of psychology. Some of the key contributors were Socrates was interested in studying the reincarnation of soul. Soul or mind was considered as the representation of individuals. Plato, a bright student of Socrates expanded Socrates concepts in philosophy about life and soul. It was Aristotle who wrote first book in psychology called Para Psyche; about the mind or soul. In the book, he introduced the basic ideas in psychology today, like law of association. However, the notion of psychology was primarily related to study of soul or mind at that stage. Later on it was found that physical existence of soul was doubtful. Also, there was controversy in defining soul and mind among the philosopher. The contributors of the period never focused on the behavior of individual. That is why the attention was diverted from the study of soul or mind 2. Pre-modern period it was during 1800's that psychology was established...
Words: 2005 - Pages: 9
...PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE This course aims at preparing students for a professional journey in the growing field of psychology by creating interest and developing an understanding of basic concepts of the discipline. Its major concerns include fostering capability to meet the challenges of self-discovery and effective participation in responding to the needs of society. With a vision to create a balance between society and the individual, the course intends to enable students in developing abilities needed for meeting the challenges and needs of the real world effectively. Along with it, students would also be encouraged to build a relationship with oneself, requisite for self discovery. To this end, the course emphasizes on building the conceptual foundations and acquiring psychological skills through classroom teaching/learning consisting of reflective as well as creative engagement in exercises, projects and hands on experiences. The teaching-learning of the programme would be organized through lectures, group discussions, experiential exercises, group projects, presentations, workshops and seminars. Students would be encouraged to connect to real life issues and participate in the programs and practices in the different social context. To this end practicum is incorporated as an important component in most of the papers with hands on training in the use of various research methods such as: laboratory experiments, field experiments, observation, testing, survey, interview, case...
Words: 8279 - Pages: 34
...Sciences are not superior over Social Sciences. TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract. 3 Introduction 4 Recommendations 22 REFERENCES 25 Abstract. Science in general is a great and highly developed human enterprise. Its intricacies are clearly not limited to the scientists alone, but it is essential for the entire human race. If we think of science as a space within the larger space of society then it is at the interfaces between these two spaces that human beings are involved with science. To see this interface clearly from the space of science is not the same as seeing it as a mere collection of facts that should be construed to be true and nothing but the truth. Science is beyond facts, ideals and thoughts. It is a process and a model that has undergone tests, been tried, reviewed and accepted as a true representation of the processes and occurrences in the natural world However, due to the broad nature of science, and the work, time and resources involved in pursuit of knowledge in different science fields which entails different interests, and thereby different values too; and the different possibilities of knowledge about different subjects, has lead to a myopic misconception by the science practitioners that Physical and Natural applied sciences are more superior and of more importance than social sciences. These differences...
Words: 9230 - Pages: 37
...Southern Caribbean School of Social Sciences Department of Psychology P.O. Box 175, Port of Spain Trinidad, W. I ------------------------------------------------- COURSE OUTLINE INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION Instructor: Juanita Wallace, M.A. Office: Behavioural Science Building. Phone: 639-5081 Email: j_wall779@hotmail.com Office Hours: Mondays 12:00-3:15, Wednesdays 12:00-3:00, Thursdays 12:00-4:00 COURSE DESCRIPTION Course Number & Titles: PSYC 101-02 Introduction to Psychology Course Credits: 3 Semester: First, 2014-2015 Class time & Room: 7:20 - 9:45 This is an introductory psychology course that covers many areas including: principles of psychology, development/growth, biological functioning, perception, learning, personality, social cognition, health, stress and coping, human development, cognition, language and social influence. This course will assist in helping you understand the qualifications of the differences among professionals in the field. Psychology’s main purpose is to enhance the quality of life and one’s ability to function at home, work, school and in relationships. PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE This course is designed to assist the student in acquiring a specialized knowledge base, about behaviour, learning new ways of thinking about behaviour and in developing positive attitudes. The knowledge learnt in this course would enable the student to explore the major subfields of psychology through critical, creative and...
Words: 1341 - Pages: 6
...major depression disorder. The five dominant theories of psychology to further understand the case of Sylvia are the cognitive theory, behavioral theory, humanistic theory, personality theory and social dominance theory. Cognitive theory of psychology is focus on internal state such as problem solving, motivation, thinking, decision making and attention. It is a key component underlying the way people think and behave. Cognitive theory is basically concerned with the development of a person’s thoughts processes. It also counts for how these thought processes influence and how a person understand and interact with the world. The technique recommend by the cognitive theory to help Sylvia. In cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach which addresses dysfunctional and emotions maladaptive behaviors and cognitive processes. CBT is an effective treatment for various conditions like anxiety, mood, personality, eating, and substances abuse which Sylvia is and has struggled with all this. So this will be very helpful for her. Behavioral theory of learning which is based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. Behavioral techniques are widely used in therapeutic settings to help clients in learning new skills and behavior. It is bases on the belief that behavior can be measured, changed and trained. The technique recommended by behaviorism theory to help Sylvia. Applied behavior analysis technique is recommended by behaviorism therapy in the...
Words: 636 - Pages: 3
...1 COM 802: Communication Research II Spring, 2007 - Syllabus Professor: Gwen M. Wittenbaum, Ph.D. Office Location: 559 Communication Arts Bldg. Office Phone: 353-8120 Email: gwittenb@msu.edu Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., and by appointment Class Meets: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:20 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. in room 474 COM. Required Readings Crano, W. D., & Brewer, M. B. (2002). Principles and methods of social research. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Articles and book chapters are posted on Angel (http://angel.msu.edu) Course Description This course provides in-depth coverage of research design and measurement. As a companion to its precursor, COM 801, this course outlines how to measure constructs of interest and design research to test issues of theoretical importance. Students will learn a variety of research methods, such as experimental and survey designs, laboratory and field research, and methods of studying individuals and groups. The course exposes students to measurement issues (e.g., reliability and validity) and approaches (e.g., self-report measures, behavioral observation and coding). Students will practice evaluating the design and measurement of research articles and reporting their own research. Course Objectives 1. To understand and implement a variety of research designs. 2. To understand and implement a variety of measurement techniques. 3. To practice critical evaluation of research articles. 4. To...
Words: 3591 - Pages: 15
...Social Psychology Conshombia McArthur PSY 555 January 14, 2012 Dr. Newcomer According to Fiske, social psychology is the scientific attempt to explain how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of other human beings (2010, p. 4). Meaning that the actions of the individual are dictated to by the group and without the presence of the group one’s action might be different. The variant nuances unique to the individual are inhibited in an attempt to conform to the standards of the group. Social psychologists examine the interpersonal interactions of a person to develop an understanding about the human condition (Fiske, 2010, p. 35). With this being the case, how then an individual one measure thoughts, feelings, and behavior to prove a hypothesis? The ability to take a vague concept and transform it into a solidified and valid idea is the goal of many psychologists. Traditionally, social psychology has focused on the study of individuals. It assumes that complex social processes, behaviors, or attitudes can be explained by an analytical focus on the individual. The foundations for this individualist position were laid by Floyd Allport (1924) who dismissed the group as a meaningful level of analysis for social psychology. For instance, Allport claimed that “If we take care of the individual, psychologically speaking, then the groups will take care of themselves” (Allport, 1924, p.9). The...
Words: 1198 - Pages: 5
...ntroduction In the recent past there has been a great growing interest by social scientists to better understand the issue of personality psychology and the element of diversity when it comes to responses agents under in the same environment (Baumeister & Bushman2014). The scholars and social scientists these days include personality proxies and traits for cognition during the empirical research analysis. The bone of contention now arises how can one interpret these human estimated relationships? (Blascovich et al 2011) Personality psychology therefore tries to describe a whole person by considering the individual differences and universal traits .This field examines the different ways in which people from diverse origins are unique therefore to ventilate this topic deeply, personality psychology looks both cognitive functioning and personality traits areas of a human being (Blascovich et al2011). When characterizing what areas one to explore in personality psychology to make observations, it indeed becomes a bit useful to first differentiate the personality traits, measures of personality and personality response function. According to ((Baumeister & Bushman2014) personality is a response function that maps out the real personality traits to measure a person. Other leading scholars adds that personality traits are sometimes relatively preserving patterns of thoughts ,behaviors and feelings that do reflect the general tendency to respond in certain ways under unique circumstances...
Words: 1044 - Pages: 5
...SUBJECT AND TASKS OF PSYCHOLOGY IN HIGHER SCHOOL Psychology studies the individual and group mental phenomena of nature, the laws of development and the formation, role and place in the activities and behavior. Higher School of Psychology studies the mind and psychological features of activity of students, teachers and university leaders. The psyche of the individual includes mental processes, states and properties. Mental processes are divided into cognitive, emotional and volitional. Cognitive processes - sensation, perception, representation, memory, imagination, thinking and speech - it gives the opportunity to acquire knowledge and solve problems, to navigate the environment, explore the individual objects and the environment in general, to anticipate events. Emotional processes stain the whole inner life of man, are involved in the activation of his forces, "let know" about the compliance or non-compliance of what is happening needs and goals. Determined processes are expressed in the self-regulation, conscious, mobilizing and managing their behavior. This is most clearly manifested when they overcome difficulties and obstacles. Mental processes are included in the behavior and activities of people. There is not a problem that could be solved by them without manifestations of psychological processes. Mental conditions - it is a temporary state of mind in general (climbing, confidence, willingness, joy, doubt, depression, depression, etc...), That affect the level...
Words: 1436 - Pages: 6
...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology PSY/410 What is Abnormal Psychology? Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology also referred to as psychopathology and abnormal behavior. Abnormal psychology covers a broad range of disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder to sexual deviation. Counselors and clinical as well as psychotherapists work directly with developing a cure (Cherry, 2012). There are many ways to define abnormality: statistical infrequency, violation of social norms, failure to function adequately, and deviation from ideal mental health. The first abnormality is statistical infrequency and with this example according to McLeod (2008), “Under this definition of abnormality, a person's trait, thinking or behavior is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual. With this definition it is necessary to be clear about how rare a trait or behavior needs to be before we class it as abnormal”. Violation of social norms is probably one of the most common ways people associate abnormalities. An individuals thinking or behavior is defined as abnormal if they violate the rules that are expected or consider acceptable behavior in a social group. If their behavior is threatening or causes others to feel uncomfortable these individuals are in violation of social norms. Social behavior varies based on different cultures (McLeod, 2008). Failure to function is considered an abnormality due to an individual being unable to cope with...
Words: 867 - Pages: 4
