Research in the Behavioural Sciences - Chapter 1

What does the history of this research look like?

Many people think that psychologists are only concerned with treating people with mental problems. That is partly true, but psychologists also conduct research to find out more about people's behavior and mental processes. People have been explaining human behavior for centuries. Aristotle and Buddha for example systematically asked questions about why people behave in certain ways. In the past, however, explaining human behavior was not done scientifically. The statements that were made were mainly speculative. It was therefore impossible to test the validity of the statements. Consequently the accuracy and correctness of the statements could not be tested either. Declarations were often given on the basis of, for example, religious dogmas. Scientific psychology originated in the last 25 years of the 19th century. Scientists such as Wundt, James, Watson and Hall began to see that psychological issues can be answered using scientific methods that are also used in, for example, biology or physics.

What types of investigations can be distinguished?

Researchers distinguish between two types of research that are used for different purposes:

1. ' Basic research': this type of research is conducted to gain a better understanding of psychological processes. It is not important in this context whether this knowledge can be applied immediately. The primary goal is just to increase knowledge about a psychological process.

2. ' Applied research': this type of research is carried out to find solutions to specific problems instead of increasing our general knowledge about certain processes. For example, sometimes psychologists are hired to detect and resolve problems in the workplace. In this context research is a matter of understanding and eliminating problems.

3. In addition to these types of research, some scientists also speak of a third type of research, namely 'evaluation research' (also known as 'program evaluation' ). This type of research is aimed at understanding the effects of programs on behavior using scientific research methods.
   In this context, think of new school programs that are being applied. It is important to investigate to what extent these programs are effective.

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