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Statistics and Psychology

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In preparing to write a 700- to 1,050-word paper, I need information to assist in examining the role of research and statistics in the field of psychology.

Address the following items:

o Define research and the scientific method.
o Compare and contrast the characteristics of primary and secondary data.
o Explain the role of statistics in research.

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Solution Summary

This solution provides information examining the role of research and statistics in the field of psychology i.e. defining research and the scientific method. compares and contrasts the characteristics of primary and secondary data, and explains the role of statistics in research. References provided in APA format.

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Like all academic papers, your paper will have an Introduction, Body and Conclusion, as well as a reference list. The three questions can act as a tentative outline for your paper. One approach to help you with an assignment like this one is to address each question, which you can then draw on for your final copy. I also attached an informative APA sample paper for you to use when writing your final copy.

RESPONSE:

1. Define research and the scientific method.

"The scientific definition of research generally states that a variable must be manipulated, although case studies and purely observational science do not always comply with this norm." (http://www.experiment-resources.com/definition-of-research.html) In fact, psychological research must meet certain criteria in order to be considered scientific as it must be replicable, falsifiable, precise and parsimonious (The Scientific Method, 2009).

In other words, psychologists conduct research systematically using the scientific method, in order to explain why individuals think, feel, and behave as they do. There are three main goals for psychologists, when doing research:

? To find ways to measure and describe behavior
? To understand why, when, and how events occur
? To apply this knowledge to solving real-world problems (Research Methods in Psychology, 2009)

What is the scientific method? The scientific method is used by psychologists to conduct research? It is "the basic method, guide, and system by which we originate, refine, extend, and ...

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