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Research, Statistics, and Psychology

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Research, Statistics, and Psychology

Psychology is the scientific investigation of mental processes and behavior (Kowalski & Westen, 2007, p. 3). During the late 19th century, psychology became an actual science because of the fascination of human behavior. Psychologists use observation to measure human behavior better to understand mental and biological processes, motives, and personality traits. Human behavior may be understood through applied and academic science (Psychology Majors, 2011). Based on this, research using the scientific method is necessary for statistical psychology.

Early research and use of scientific method in psychology included the works of Edward Titchener. Titchener used structuralism to explore aspects of the mind. Research through this method focused on introspection, or individual conscious experience. Titchener used a table method similar to a chemistry periodic table to study human behavior. Titchener believed experimentation was the only scientific method to use for the study psychology (Northern Illinois University, 2003).

A paradigm in psychology is a set of theoretical assertions that provide a model, abstract picture, or object of study (Kowalski & Westen, 2007, p. 11). A paradigm is a set of shared metaphors that compare any object of study through investigation. Many modern psychologists use innovative approaches to study human behavior to support traditional methods of psychology through use of research using the scientific method.

According to Kampis and Karsai (2010), the scientific method can best be learned through research. In addition, to conduct thorough research related to behavior, the scientific method should be followed. The scientific method involves five steps. The primary function of the scientific method begins with an observation. Through an observation, whether individual or group study, a

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