The scientific method is a set of steps used by scientists, including psychologists, to conduct research in a standardized way. The steps include: 1) formulating a question that can be tested, 2) conducting background research and forming a hypothesis, 3) designing a study to collect data, 4) analyzing the data, and 5) reporting the results. This process allows research to be replicated and findings to build upon each other to increase understanding.

1. The Scientific Method

2. The Scientific Method
According to Hockenbury and Hockenbury
(2014) “The scientific method is a set of
assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that
guides all scientists, including
psychologists, in conducting research. (p.
117)”

3. Psychology
The goals of
psychology are
to
describe, explain,
predict, and
control behavior
and mental
processes.

4. Steps of the Scientific
Method
Formulate a Question that can be Tested
Do Background Research and Formulate a
Hypothesis
Design a Study to Collect Data
Analyze the Data
Report the Results

5. Step 1
Formulate a
question that can
be tested
Observations
Consider Variables
Operational
Definitions

6. Step 2
Background Research
What has been done
already and what
have they found?
Formulate a Hypothesis
Statement about
relationship between
variables

7. Step 3
Design a Study to
Collect Data
Research Methods
Descriptive Methods
Naturalistic Observation
Surveys
Case Studies
Correlational Studies
Experimental Method
Shows cause and Effect

8. Step 4
Analyze the Data
Statistics
Statistically significant
Results are not by
chance
Confirms hypothesis
Draw Conclusions

9. Step 5
Report your findings
Conferences
Journal Publication
Detailed description of
the study
Allows for Replication

10. References
Hockenbury, D. H. and Hockenbury, S. E. (2014).
Discovering Psychology, 6th Ed. New York, NY: Worth
Publishers.
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