Psychology is one of the popular undergraduate majors that prepares students gain an entrance to a range of exciting and rewarding careers. It is a field of science that deals with behavior and mind. Students prefer pursuing an advanced course that concentrates solely on the psychology research aspect. Before beginning the process of research, it is important to conduct a comprehensive review related to the subject.

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

Usually, psychology research will be conducted inside laboratories in the form of experiments, testing and statistical analysis of data. The researchers can also gather data from schools, hospitals, workplaces and public places to study behavior in the natural settings. There’s no research method that suits all the requirements and it depends on the topic of interest, data samples, source of information and data collection techniques.

A psychology researcher can collect either qualitative or quantitative data. In some cases, both will be needed. Qualitative data involves findings that don’t involve statistical procedures. On the other hand, qualitative data involves research finding that has statistical or mathematical models. Some of the common approaches of collecting data for psychology research are case studies, cross-sectional study, content analysis, field experiments and survey.

Educational requirements to become a psychology researcher

Psychologists will need a specialist, master or doctoral degree in psychology. Students interested in carrying out research or pursuing a career in this field can get a doctorate degree. With a bachelor’s degree, it is possible to work as administrative or research assistants under psychologists. Other jobs include technicians in related fields including market research or assisting psychologists in correctional programs or mental health centers.

With a doctoral degree in psychology, one can work as assistants under doctoral-level psychologists. It requires several years of experience to get jobs in marketing research and consulting. However, those with a doctoral degree can get jobs within universities and government or become data collectors, analysts and researchers. It requires five to seven years of study to obtain a doctorate’s degree in psychology.

Those who obtain a higher level of education and experience in the field of psychology will encounter many job offers and opportunities to carry out research without years of experience, an advanced degree or other credentials. The graduate school programs strengthen the necessary skills and qualities of those who want to pursue a career in this field. These include analytical skills, observational skills, communication skills, people skills and problem-solving skills.