Various methods of psychology

 Methods are the way we collect information. All individuals use methods to colect
information. However, scientific methods are different from the common sense methods.
There are various methods used in psychological researches to collect the information.
Psychologists use many different methods for conducting research. Four widely used in
psychological researches to collect the information. Four widely used methods used in
psychological research are described here.
(1).Naturalistic observation ‫فطرت پسندانہ مشاہدہ‬
 Is a research method commonly used by psychologists and other social scientists. This
technique involves observing subjects in their natural environment. This type of research
involves studying the subject of interest in its own environment, as it would occur in day-
to-day life. Researchers strive to not make changes to the environment, as such changes
may influence the outcome of the study. Since the entire point of this method is to observe
things as they occur naturally, such an outcome is not desired.
 The researcher tests under two conditions. the researcher stands on an adjacent corner
and is clearly taking notes, while the rest of the time the researcher is relatively hidden in
a nearby building or vehicle.
Case Studies
.
 Case studies are in-depth investigations of a single person, group, event or community.
Typically, data are gathered from a variety of sources and by using several different methods
(e.g. observations & interviews).
 The case study research method originated in clinical medicine (the case history, i.e. the
patient’s personal history). In psychology, case studies are often confined to the study of a
particular individual.
 The information is mainly biographical and relates to events in the individual's past, as well as
to significant events which are currently occurring in his or her everyday life.
 The case study is not itself a research method, but researchers select methods of data
collection and analysis that will generate material suitable for case studies.
Survey method
 A Survey is a way of getting information about a specific type of behavior,
experience, or event. When using this method, researchers give people
questionnaires or interview them to obtain information.

Experimental method
 The experimental method involves manipulating one variable to determine if
changes in one variable cause changes in another variable.
 This method relies on controlled methods, random assignment and the
manipulation of variables to test a hypothesis
 the experimental method is a scientific approach to research in which
researcher manipulate one variable and control rest of variables ,
experimental research is what we call a true experiment in fact this
method identify the problem formulate hypotheses and show their
consequences.
Scope and contribution of psychology
 Psychology has made tremendous progress despite its short history. These days, psychology has more
than 100 branches. Psychologists these days are working in almost all facts of human life. The subject
matter of psychology addresses different types of behaviors, ranging from the most basic biological
processes to how people are affected by their culture.
 Basic area of psychology is concerned with theoretical knowledge, principles, facts, and research. It is
dedicated to develop different theories relevant in psychology. The theories and researches done in
basic areas might not have direct practical application. The primary aim of basic area is to answer
many psychological questions. The knowledge gained through basic research is utilized by other
psychologists who work to solve problems of others. The study of sensation, memory, learning,
reasoning, prejudice, emotion etc. are the subject matter of basic area.
 Psychology is always evolving and new fields and branches continue to emerge. It is important to
remember that no single branch of psychology is more important or better than any other. Each specific
area contributes to our understanding of the many different psychological factors that influence who
you are, how you behave, and how you think. The following are the most prominent basic areas of
psychology:
Branches of psychology

 1.Educational Psychology
 2.Industrial-organizational Psychology
 3. Social psychology
 4.Clinical Psychology
 5.criminal psychology
 6. Environmental psychology
 7.Counseling Psychology
 8.Developmental psychology
1.Educational psychology is the scientific field concerned with
applying psychological theories and concepts to the understanding and improvement
of teaching and learning in formal educational settings.
Educational psychologists study how people learn and retain knowledge. They apply
psychological science to improve the learning process and promote educational
success for all students
2. Industrial-organizational psychology is the branch of psychology that
applies psychological theories and principles to organizations. Often referred to as
I-O psychology, this field focuses on increasing workplace productivity and related
issues such as the physical and mental well-being of employees.
3. Social psychology is the study of how people act, think, and feel in the context
of society or study of the behaviour of individuals in their social and cultural setting.
in which the personality, attitudes, motivations, and behavior of the individual
influence
4. Clinical psychology is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing
and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Some of the more
common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance
abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
5.criminal psychology
Criminal psychology, also referred to as criminological psychology, is the study of
the views, thoughts, intentions, actions and so reactions of criminals and all that
partakes in the criminal behavior.
6.Counseling psychologists help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues improve their
sense of well‐being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. They also provide assessment, diagnosis,
and treatment of more severe psychological symptoms.

Carl Rogers was also one of the founding fathers of person-centered therapy, which is a type of therapy that is
based on the patients' own individual life experiences. This type of therapy is still one of the most popular and
effective forms of treatment in counseling psychology today. It involves the psychologist listening to and trying
to understand his patients. In doing so, the psychologist can then help steer his patients toward changing
themselves for the better.
They can often find employment in places like mental health clinics, hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and
schools.
7. Developmental psychology is a scientific approach which aims to explain growth, change and consistency
though the lifespan. Developmental psychology looks at how thinking, feeling, and behavior change
throughout a person's life.
It studies the psychological growth of individuals and deals with the psychological responses and changes
in behavior that characterize such stages of life as infancy, adolescence, and old age. concerned with the
changes in cognitive, motivational, psychophysiological, and social functioning that occur throughout the
human life span.
8. Environmental psychology is field that focuses on the interplay between individuals and their
surroundings.The field defines the term environment broadly, encompassing natural environments, social
settings, built environments, learning environments, and informational environments.