Essay on Research Process in Psychology

The use of research is increasingly popular, especially in problem-solving. The popularity of this method is drawn from its abilities to evolve to suit the particular study. The development of research to include a mixed combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods increases on the strengths of this design. This paper describes the critical components in research, citing the advantages gained from following the laid down procedures for conducting proper research. It also extends the discussion by looking at the benefits and disadvantages of research.

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According to Creswell (2013), the first step in research is the definition of the study being conducted. An understanding of the title of the research enables the development of efficient functioning procedures or the methodology of conducting the research. The title should be well defined and easy to follow. On the other hand, methodology accounts for the step-wise procedure to be followed during the research. It provides a given time frame, from which the scheduling of activities is achievable. Through methodology, the researcher can identify the weight of the study. This could be either qualitative or quantitative. It is through the defined procedures that equipment to use during the research is identified. Consequently, the definition of the methodology provides a visual model of the activities to be carried out.

Conferring to Simon (2014), the cornerstone of scientific research is the reproducibility of the findings using the same procedures. The process of replication involves the use of same methods on different subjects of study or experiments. It also includes the application of a theory to new situations as a means to determining the generalizability of the research. Through replication, scholars obtain an assurance on the reliability and value of the results of the study. Additionally, replication inspires new research based on the findings of previously conducted research.

Alternatively, generalization serves the purpose of enhancing research based on qualitative values. The aim of generalization is to present different theories to the research. This provides the researchers with the various approaches to the study, which could be implemented to form independent studies or research. Through generalization, general formulations are drawn from single observations and used in future research studies. Thus, it is through generalization that a hypothesis for the specific study is formulated.

The value of research in achieving good science is based on the accurate definition of the research, the methodology, and procedures to be followed. Appropriate rules and regulations should be structured and followed while conducting research. It is equally important to formulate a falsifiable hypothesis. In practicing good science through research, reports on the findings should be published in scientific journals that enable future researchers to make references. Then again, the operation of research without an appropriate analysis of its implication and a careful plan on the procedures results in bad science. Findings that are not replicable are termed as bad scientific research. Conclusions on any research should, therefore, be structured from the results obtained from the study.

In conclusion, despite the success of using research to achieve a scientific breakthrough, a major setback in this field is based on the identification of appropriate theories. Research is prone to errors, which discourages researchers. On the other hand, it is important to identify the correct type of generalization as a means to eliminate the occurrence of mistakes during research. The advantages of the application of research studies in problem-solving surpass its disadvantages, hence, the need to encourage its application.

References

Creswell, J.W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.

Simons, D.J. (2014). The value of direct replication. Perspective on Psychological Science, 9(1), 76-80.