Humans and animals may have a vast number of similarities, but the one thing that sets humans apart is the unique ability to question. When psychologists look to find the answers to questions, they often turn to statistics. Gathering research to devise rational explanation is important to psychology; it is not only important, but the manner in which it is done is scientific.
Psychologists use the scientific method to define, explain, predict and understand behavior. They also use numbers, and the research from numbers help to predict the probability of a possible reoccurrence.The stronger the data is in the research helps to validate the final outcome. Research in science is an investigation that is bound by rules to establish rational explanation.
The information used in scientific research should only be proven reputable information; untrustworthy information will result in faulty research. Research and the information gathered has to be represented with accuracy and without bias. There are three approaches to take to ensure research is sound (Camfield & Palmer-Jones, 2013).The first important manner to take into consideration is if the research derives from a philosophical approach.
When asking a question it is imperative to understand the motivation behind comprehension using a rational thought process. The second vital step when conducting research is using methodology. This practice of theoretical analysis insures the design and conduct of the study is committed in such a way that is to be regarded as trustworthy. Last is the researcher’s obligation of ethics. Knowing the difference between right and wrong can be complex at times to rationalize by some.It is important to understand that knowing the difference between right and wrong in a personal concept is different from knowing what is right and wrong by others.
Scientists use scientific method to form an unbiased and rational decision based on the information examined to support the subject matter’s answer. The scientific method has five different stages, and if they are followed properly it will insure accuracy. The first step is to form a rational question regarding a scientific problem (Cowens, 2006). The question can be about anything, but it should be genuine and resources should be available in order to answer it.The second step is to form a hypothesis (Cowens, 2006). Many people get hypothesis and theory confused, so it is always a good idea to know how to separate the two.
A theory is a well-defined thought that is put together to give explanation that is usually tested and is the outcome of scientific method whereas a hypothesis is an idea that an event will take place if an action is committed. In the second step it will be important to speculate or make an educated guess (hypothesize) on the answer of the question asked in the first step.The third step will be the testing phase (Cowens, 2006). This step will use the information that was to be an educated guess and apply it to see if it is factual.
The forth step is to record information while conducting the actual test (Cowens, 2006). The recorded information is imperative and should be as much information as possible. The fifth step is to draw a conclusion (Cowens, 2006). The conclusion should explain whether the expected results were true or not and detailed as much as possible to give as much validity as possible.
There are two types of data used to gather information when conducting research: primary data and secondary data. Primary data is information that is obtained hands on and is viewed directly. Looking at something directly rather than taking another person’s word can ensure validity. Secondary data is information that is obtain using the resources of others and the information was not physically gathered directly (Rabianski, 2003).
Sometime going of the word of others can cause errors. One example of using secondary data can be compared to the way a home is valued in real estate by real estate agents.The price of a property is usually determined by a seller under the advice of a listing agent, even though market value is determined by an appraiser. Listing agents will commonly use the multiple listing system (MLS) to justify the price of a property by using comparables.
Listing agents will generate a comparative market analysis (CMA) to rationalize a realistic selling price. The information in the MLS is comprised of secondary data and is specific in detail. The data identifies other properties that are for sale or have sold and consists of structural improvements, square footage, amenities, and land.The CMA report will consist of compiled data from sources not verified directly to rationalize an opinion. The most important thing to make note of is the agent has made a decision based on secondary information. Appraiser on the other hand use primary data.
An appraiser is the state of Texas is required by law to accumulate information first hand. The way appraisers gather information is different than agents because appraisers physically view the data they record. For example, an appraiser will measure a home to get the square footage whereas a sales agent uses previous records found in different data base systems.Agents are only required to show proof of where the square footage came from unlike an appraiser who has to use primary data. Any information an appraiser uses in his description on a property has to be seen directly. Once the appraiser gathers all the data necessary and using only primary data, she then will determine the actual value of the property.
Statistics has a great influence on research because data is often pulled from statistics. Psychologist use both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to explain rational concepts.Descriptive statistics are used to summarize data found in research, and inferential statistics are used to draw rational conclusions that go beyond the data that was found (Aron, Coups, & Aron, 2013). Statistics help to consolidate and rationalize intellectual concepts by grouping and categorizing numbers to explain theory (Aron, Coups, & Aron, 2013). “Statistics is a method of pursuing truth” (Aron, Coups, & Aron, 2013, p. 2).
When conducting research, using statistic will often help to find the answer to a question through probability.Statistics is a branch of science that shares a close tie with mathematics in the sense of organizing quantitative information, examining data, and rationalizing information (Aron, Coups, & Aron, 2013). When psychologist use statistics they can rationalize specific types of theories to give a better explanation in understanding certain questions. Some questions would be impossible to answer without statistics. Statistics can help to take data and make sense of the information in the world to give people a better perspective of the world they live in.
