Drawing on examples from Chapters 1, 4 and 7 ofInvestigating Psychology, discuss the following phrase: ‘Toachieve a complete understanding of behaviour andcognition, researchers should only use the experimentalmethod’.
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The experimental method is a scientific method used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables. It is considered the gold standard of research in psychology, as it allows researchers to control for extraneous variables and make causal inferences. However, the experimental method is not without its limitations. For example, it can be difficult to manipulate some variables, such as personality traits or life experiences. Additionally, experiments can be artificial and may not reflect the real world.
In Chapter 1 of Investigating Psychology, we learn about the different types of research methods used in psychology. The experimental method is one of the most common methods, but it is not the only one. Other methods, such as case studies, surveys, and observations, can also be used to gain insights into behavior and cognition.
In Chapter 4, we learn about the biological bases of behavior. One of the challenges in this area of research is that it is difficult to manipulate genes or brain structures. As a result, researchers often use correlational studies, which can only show that two variables are related, not that one causes the other.
In Chapter 7, we learn about the social context of behavior. One of the challenges in this area of research is that it is difficult to control for all of the variables that might influence behavior. As a result, researchers often use observational studies, which can provide a more naturalistic view of behavior, but they cannot make causal inferences.
In conclusion, the experimental method is a valuable tool for research in psychology, but it is not the only tool. Other methods, such as case studies, surveys, and observations, can also be used to gain insights into behavior and cognition. By using a variety of methods, researchers can get a more complete understanding of the complex factors that influence human behavior.
In addition to the limitations mentioned above, the experimental method can also be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, it can be difficult to obtain ethical approval for experimental research, especially if it involves human participants.
Despite these limitations, the experimental method is still the gold standard of research in psychology. It is the most reliable way to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. However, it is important to remember that the experimental method is not the only way to gain insights into behavior and cognition. Other methods, such as case studies, surveys, and observations, can also be valuable tools for research.
