Worksheet Solutions: Methods of Enquiry in Psychology | Psychology Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The goal of psychological inquiry includes ___________, prediction, explanation, and control of behavior.
Ans: description
This sentence fills in the blank with the four main goals of psychological inquiry: description, prediction, explanation, and control of behavior.

Q2: Description in psychology helps in distinguishing a behavior from other behaviors by providing ____________.
Ans: clarity
Description in psychology involves providing detailed information about a behavior or phenomenon. These specific details help distinguish one behavior from others.

Q3: Prediction becomes more accurate with an increase in the __________ of persons observed.
Ans: number
Prediction in psychology involves understanding the relationship between behaviors. With more people observed, the patterns become clearer, and predictions become more accurate.

Q4: The third goal of psychological inquiry is to understand the __________ factors of behavior.
Ans: causal
The third goal of psychological inquiry is to delve into the reasons or causes behind certain behaviors, helping us understand why they occur.

Q5: Control in psychology refers to making a behavior happen, reducing it, or ____________ it.
Ans: eliminating
Control in psychology means influencing or manipulating behavior. It can involve making a behavior occur, reducing its frequency, or enhancing its occurrence.

Q6: The final goal of scientific inquiry in psychology is to bring about __________ changes in people's lives.
Ans: positive
The ultimate aim of psychological research is to apply the knowledge gained to improve people's lives and solve problems.

Q7: In scientific research, the process begins when a researcher selects a theme or topic for __________.
Ans: investigation
Scientific research starts with the selection of a research topic or theme, which forms the basis for further investigation.

Q8: The second step in scientific research is to develop a research design for __________ data.
Ans: collecting
After selecting the research topic, the next step is to create a research design, which outlines the methods and procedures for collecting data.

Q9: Analyzing data collected through statistical procedures helps verify a __________ and draw conclusions.
Ans: hypothesis
Data analysis involves using statistical techniques to examine and interpret the data collected, which allows for hypothesis verification and drawing meaningful conclusions.

Q10: When a researcher's conclusions do not support their original hypothesis, they may __________ or state an alternative hypothesis.
Ans: revise
If the data collected do not support the initial hypothesis, researchers may need to adjust the hypothesis or propose an alternative one. This is part of the scientific process. 

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Prediction in psychological inquiry becomes more accurate with an increase in the number of persons observed.
Reason: This is because larger samples lead to more reliable conclusions.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
When more people are observed, it generally leads to larger and more representative samples, which can provide more reliable insights into behavior, thus supporting the assertion and reason.

Q2: Assertion: Control in psychological inquiry refers to making a particular behavior happen, reducing it, or enhancing it.
Reason: Control is the only goal of psychological research.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is correct as it defines control in psychological research. However, the reason is not correct because control is one of the goals, but not the sole goal, of psychological research.

Q3: Assertion: The goal of scientific research in psychology is to explore the different aspects of human experiences without attempting to disturb their natural flow.
Reason: Both scientific and interpretive traditions in psychology aim to study behavior and experiences.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (c)
Both the assertion and reason are accurate. Scientific research in psychology aims to explore human experiences while recognizing the interpretive tradition that studies behavior without disrupting its natural flow.

Q4: Assertion: Data in psychology are independent of the physical or social context.
Reason: Inferences can be made directly from raw data.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is false. Data in psychology are influenced by the physical and social context. Inferences must be made to understand the meaning of data, making the reason incorrect.

Q5: Assertion: Participant observation in psychology involves the observer becoming a part of the group being observed.
Reason: This method is less time-consuming than non-participant observation.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (d)
The assertion is incorrect as participant observation does involve the observer becoming a part of the group. However, the reason is true, as participant observation can be more time-consuming due to the need to establish rapport.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the goal of description in psychological inquiry.
Ans: Description in psychological inquiry involves providing a detailed account of a behavior or phenomenon, helping distinguish it from others.

Q2: How does prediction relate to understanding behavior in psychology?
Ans: Prediction in psychology refers to understanding the relationship between a particular behavior and other behaviors, events, or phenomena, allowing for forecasts under certain conditions.

Q3: What is the third goal of psychological inquiry, and why is it important?
Ans: The third goal of psychological inquiry is to uncover the causal factors or determinants of behavior. Psychologists aim to understand why a behavior occurs and under what conditions it does not.

Q4: Define the term "control" in psychological research.
Ans: Control in psychology involves influencing or manipulating behavior by making changes to the antecedent conditions. It can include making a behavior happen, reducing it, or enhancing it.

Q5: What is the final goal of scientific inquiry in psychology?
Ans: The final goal of scientific inquiry in psychology is to use research findings to bring about positive changes in people's lives and solve real-world problems.

Q6: Describe the first step in conducting scientific research.
Ans: The first step in conducting scientific research is selecting a research theme or topic, narrowing down the focus, and developing specific research questions or problems.

Q7: What is the purpose of data analysis in scientific research?
Ans: Data analysis involves using statistical procedures to make sense of the collected data, verify hypotheses, and draw meaningful conclusions.

Q8: How does a researcher revise research conclusions in case they do not support the original hypothesis?
Ans: When a researcher's conclusions do not support their original hypothesis, they may revise the hypothesis or state an alternative one and test it based on new data.

Q9: What is the difference between naturalistic and controlled observation methods?
Ans: Naturalistic observation is conducted in real-life settings without attempting to control or manipulate the situation, while controlled observation is carried out in a controlled laboratory environment.

Q10: In participant observation, what does the observer do to establish rapport with the group being observed?
Ans: In participant observation, the observer becomes a part of the group being observed and takes time to establish rapport with group members, which helps in understanding their behavior.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the concept of scientific objectivity in psychological research.
Ans: Scientific objectivity in psychological research refers to the unbiased and impartial approach taken by researchers to investigate and understand phenomena. It involves reducing personal biases, assumptions, and preconceptions that could influence the research process and findings. By adhering to scientific objectivity, researchers aim to ensure that their methods, data collection, and interpretation of results are based on evidence and logical reasoning rather than personal beliefs or opinions.

Q2: Describe the steps involved in conducting scientific research in psychology.
Ans: The steps involved in conducting scientific research in psychology typically include:

• Formulating a research question or hypothesis.
• Designing the study, including selecting appropriate research methods and participants.
• Collecting data through various techniques such as surveys, experiments, or observations.
• Analyzing the data using statistical methods.
• Interpreting the results and drawing conclusions.
• Communicating the findings through research reports or publications.
• Conducting peer review and replication to ensure the validity and reliability of the research.
  
  

Q3: How does a researcher develop a hypothesis in scientific research?
Ans: A researcher develops a hypothesis in scientific research by forming a tentative explanation or prediction about the relationship between variables. This is typically based on existing theories, previous research findings, or observations. The researcher may review relevant literature, identify gaps or contradictions, and formulate a research question. From there, a hypothesis is generated, which states the expected outcome or relationship between variables. The hypothesis should be specific, testable, and falsifiable to guide the research process.

Q4: Discuss the importance of selecting the right participants and data collection methods in scientific research.
Ans: Selecting the right participants and data collection methods is crucial in scientific research for several reasons:

• Participants: Choosing appropriate participants ensures that the sample represents the population of interest, increasing the generalizability of the findings. It also helps control for confounding variables and reduces the risk of sampling bias.
• Data collection methods: The choice of data collection methods should align with the research question and objectives. Using reliable and valid measurement tools or techniques enhances the accuracy and validity of the data collected. It also allows for the replication of the study by other researchers, strengthening the reliability and scientific rigor of the findings.
  
  

Q5: What are the advantages of the observation method in psychology, and what are its limitations?
Ans: Advantages and Limitations of the Observation Method:

• Advantages: It allows researchers to study behavior in naturalistic settings, which enhances ecological validity. It is a powerful tool for describing behavior.
• Limitations: It is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Observers may introduce bias, and the method may not provide explanations or insights into the underlying causes of behavior.

Q6: Differentiate between naturalistic and controlled observation methods with examples.
Ans: Naturalistic observation involves studying behavior in its natural setting without any intervention or manipulation by the researcher. Examples include observing children's play behavior in a playground or studying social interactions in a café.
Controlled observation, on the other hand, involves the researcher deliberately manipulating variables or creating specific conditions to observe their effects on behavior. For example, a researcher may observe the impact of different teaching strategies on student learning by assigning different groups of students to receive different instructional methods.

Q7: Explain the differences between non-participant and participant observation in psychology.
Ans: Non-participant observation in psychology refers to the observational method where the researcher remains separate from the individuals being observed. The researcher observes and records behavior without actively participating or interacting with the participants. This approach allows for a more objective and unbiased perspective.
In contrast, participant observation involves the researcher immersing themselves in the social context being studied. The researcher actively participates in the activities and interactions, making observations from within the group. This method allows for a deeper understanding of the social dynamics and subjective experiences of the participants but may introduce observer bias.

Q8: How can a researcher minimize observer bias in the observation method?
Ans: Minimizing Observer Bias in the Observation Method: Observer bias occurs when the observer's values or beliefs influence their observations. To minimize bias, observers should record behavior as it happens without interpretation during observation. Training and standardization of observation procedures can also help reduce bias.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the four goals of psychological inquiry in detail, providing examples for each.
Ans: Four Goals of Psychological Inquiry:

• Description: Description involves providing a detailed account of a behavior or phenomenon, enabling us to distinguish it from others. For example, describing children's play behavior in a preschool setting.
• Prediction: Prediction focuses on understanding the relationship between a behavior and other behaviors, events, or phenomena. For instance, predicting how children's play behaviors may change based on different play environments.
• Explanation: Explanation aims to uncover the causal factors or determinants of behavior. Psychologists seek to understand why a behavior occurs and the conditions under which it does not. For instance, explaining the factors that influence children's social behavior.
• Control: Control refers to influencing or manipulating behavior by making changes in its antecedent conditions. This can involve making a behavior happen, reducing its frequency, or enhancing its occurrence. For example, implementing interventions to improve children's social behavior in a school setting.

Q2: Explain the nature of psychological data and the factors that can influence data collection in psychological research.
Ans: Psychological data refers to the information collected during psychological research that provides evidence and insights into human behavior and mental processes. It can take various forms, including quantitative data (numerical measurements) and qualitative data (descriptive or narrative information). The nature of psychological data is influenced by several factors, including the research design, measurement techniques, sample characteristics, and researcher biases.

• Research Design: The choice of research design, such as experimental, correlational, or observational, can influence the nature of psychological data. Each design has its own strengths and limitations in terms of data collection. Experimental designs allow for rigorous control of variables and can establish cause-and-effect relationships. Correlational designs examine the relationships between variables but cannot determine causality. Observational designs involve observing and recording behavior in natural settings but may be subjective and prone to bias.
• Measurement Techniques: The methods used to measure psychological constructs can impact the nature of data. Researchers need to select appropriate measurement tools and techniques that accurately capture the variables of interest. For example, self-report questionnaires can provide information about individuals' thoughts and feelings, while physiological measures like heart rate or brain activity can provide objective data about physiological processes.
• Sample Characteristics: The characteristics of the sample being studied can influence the nature of data collected. Factors such as age, gender, cultural background, and socioeconomic status can affect how individuals respond to research measures. It is crucial to ensure that the sample is representative and diverse enough to generalize findings to the broader population.
• Researcher Bias: Researchers' biases and preconceived notions can unintentionally influence data collection and interpretation. These biases can manifest in the design of the study, selection of participants, data collection procedures, or data analysis. To mitigate this influence, researchers use standardized protocols, blind procedures, and peer review to ensure objectivity and reduce bias.

It is important for psychologists to be aware of these factors and employ rigorous methodologies to collect reliable and valid data in order to draw accurate conclusions and make meaningful contributions to the field of psychology.

Q3: Compare and contrast the observational method and the experimental method in psychology. Provide examples of situations where each method is most appropriate.
Ans: Comparison of Observational and Experimental Methods:

• Observational Method: Observations in this method are conducted in real-life settings (naturalistic) or controlled laboratory environments. It is a powerful tool for describing behavior and is often used to gather preliminary data. However, it may be susceptible to observer bias, and it may not provide insights into the underlying causes of behavior.
• Experimental Method: Experiments involve manipulating independent variables to observe their effects on dependent variables. This method allows for the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships, providing strong evidence for explaining behavior. However, experiments often lack ecological validity as they take place in controlled settings.

Q4: Explore the ethical issues that can arise in psychological research and how researchers can address them. Include examples to illustrate ethical dilemmas.
Ans: Ethical Issues in Psychological Research: Ethical dilemmas can arise in psychological research, including issues related to informed consent, confidentiality, the well-being of participants, and deception. For example, a study involving deception should ensure that participants are debriefed and informed about the true nature of the research afterward. Researchers should always prioritize the ethical treatment of participants and consider potential risks. Researchers can address ethical issues by obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, ensuring participant well-being, and using deception cautiously while providing debriefing and follow-up support.