Outline of Two Different Psychology

Outline of Two Different Psychology

Cognitive and social perspectives of psychology differ considerably. The core difference between the two perspectives is their position on the factors that influence human behavior and actions. Whereas the cognitive perspective links human behavior and actions to mental processes such as thinking, reasoning, and judgment, the social perspective links human behavior and actions to social situations (Strauss, 2017). Based on the perspective, internal mental states such as belief, motivation, and desire are the primary drivers of human action (McLeod, 2015). According to the social, cultural perspective, human action, and behavior are influenced by social-cultural factors that impact the mental state of individuals (Strauss, 2017). Another difference in the cognitive and social approach to research is apparent research based on the cognitive perspective focuses on how thinking affects human behavior and action while research based on the social perspective focuses on how social situations impact human behavior and actions. Both perspectives are essential in analyzing human behavior.

Research studies based on the cognitive psychological perspective focus on human behavior and action and can either be qualitative or quantitative. These studies typically involve the use of lab experiments. The qualitative approach mainly involves the study of the influence of mental processes on human behavior based on personal insights from participants in the studies.

The main challenge of using the cognitive approach in research is that mental processes are not directly observable. Research studies bases on the social psychological perspective focus on linking human behavior, thinking, and actions to social settings. The studies show that an individual’s social environment has a considerable impact on his behavior and thinking. Quantitative studies are highly controlled and provide objective outcomes that can make precise predictions associated with the link between social situations and human behavior.

Research conducted by social psychologists helps uncover unpredictable results. Although the approach is associated with many challenges, it helps in explaining behavior meticulously. There are several research designs used by social psychologists. These methods include laboratory experiments, field research, survey research, nonconscious/ subtle research methods, and archival research (Watts, 2014). In laboratory experiments, psychologists run experiments and manipulate variables and situations. Development in social neuroscience and advancement in technology enables the psychologist to use neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and combine biological markers such as hormones when researching in order to understand thoroughly the biological processes relating to the social process.

In the lab experiment, psychologists use real-world scenarios such as individuals buying products at a grocery store. In case it is not ethical or practical to use people in different experimental situations. Naturalistic observation is where psychologists unobtrusively observe how people are handling situations in their lives (Biernat, 2013). Survey research helps psychologists to study group and individual differences in people’s behaviors, attitudes, or feelings. Psychologists conduct this research on a selected sample of people. Nonconscious research measures nonconscious or involuntary elements such as detrimental attitudes associated with people. Archival research involves an examination of statistics, archives, and other records such as letters, speeches, or even tweets. After collecting data using these methods, the psychologists then analyze the data by explaining the behaviors they observed in the research and making the necessary deductions.

An example of research which social psychologists can involve themselves in is research to find the relationship between aggression and media violence. They record the number of hours children spend in a week watching violent or aggressive programs on television. They then record how aggressive the children act in natural settings. Compiling research, observations, and survey are among the methods used to collect data in this study. This research will be intended only to show the relationship between the two variables and not how change in one of the variables affects the other. in this case; it is impossible for the researcher to say definitively that aggressive behavior results from watching aggressive programs on television. This research will involve data, and analysis will require some quantitative procedures, and hence this a type of quantitative research.

Cognitive psychologists use several methods when carrying out their research. These methods include experimental design, quasi-experimental design, process-tracing research, case studies, naturalistic observation, and artificial intelligence and computer simulations. Other methods include correlational research, pyscholobiological research, and naturalistic research. In experimental design, a researcher manipulates a random variable and determines the effects it has on another variable (Kangas, 2014). Analysis of the data collected mostly involves a comparison of findings from different variables involved in the research. In a quasi-experimental design, the psychologist studies naturally occurring groups or variables. For example, research to compare the performance of men in solving mathematics problems to that of women. In correlation design, the researcher studies two variables that he or she has no control over — for example, the relationship between working memory capacity and working score. The best way to conduct this research is to take samples of people and measure both variables and then analyze how the two relate. In psychobiological research, the researcher finds out the relationship between the brain’s activities and structure and cognition. One way of conducting this research is by studying the brain function of healthy individuals and then compare the results to those who have some form of cognitive deficit.

Process-tracing research aims to study the focus of individuals while conducting a particular task. Protocol analysis is a form of this research where a person is asked to think out loud while conducting a particular task (Pfeifer and Strunk, 2015). The data collected is then used to determine the complexity of thoughts the participant might have experienced while conducting the task. Case studies involve extensive research, usually on individuals with some deficit or with exceptional ability. The data collected is then analyzed to find the cause of the individual situation. in naturalistic observation, psychologists observe people in a real-life setting such as work and home. In computer simulations, the researcher imitates some aspects of human functioning using computer programs and then modifies variables and collects the necessary data. They then analyze the data to explain the behavior of the variables. Artificial Intelligence (AI), on the other hand, aims to design computers that behave like human beings. Analysis of data collected using these methods involves explaining the behaviors observed and then making the necessary conclusions.

An example of research which cognitive psychologists conduct is a research to find out whether thoughtfully designed software enhance understanding among students. This research will involve test plans and classroom trials to show whether this can be possible. To determine whether this is effective or not, the researchers conduct a comparison between the performance of the students before and after implementing the technology. The outcome of the research will be based on the difference in performance, without the need for applying any statistical estimates or mathematical calculations, and hence this research is classified as qualitative. The results can be either an improvement or deterioration.

The sample size for researches conducted by social psychologists varies depending on the research method and nature of results the psychologists wish to achieve. Survey research will include a large sample size of people involved in the research as compared to laboratory experiments. Ethics are rules of conduct while conducting research. Psychologists should protect participants of research from harm. These ethical issues include; informed consent, debrief, protection of participants, deception, confidentiality, and withdrawal from an investigation. The psychologists should seek permission from the participants before the research begins. The participants also should know what the research is about in advance. People over 18 years can make this decision, but in the case of minors, psychologists should seek concert from their parents or legal guardians.

Debrief requires that the participant should be allowed to discuss the findings and procedure with the psychologist once the research is over. They have the right to know what the psychologist was investigating and the role they played in the research. Participants’ protection ensures that those participating in the research are protected from distress. They should not suffer mentally or physically. So, the researcher should not harm, offend, frighten, or embarrass the participants. Deception requires that psychologists not mislead about the aims of the research to the participants. Confidentiality means that data collected and the participants of the research are kept anonymous unless permitted to reveal them by the participants. Withdrawal from investigation allows participants to withdraw themselves or and their data from the study when they feel uncomfortable.

 

Works Cited

Biernat, Monica. “Toward a Broader View of Social Stereotyping.” American Psychologist 58.12 (2013): 1019 -1027.

Kangas, Maria. “The Evolution of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.” Australian Psychologist 49.5 (2014): 280-282.

McLeod, S. A. “cogntive psychology.” (2015). <https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html>.

Pfeifer, Benjamin J and Daniel R Strunk. “A Primer on Psychotherapy Process Research: A Review of Cognitive Therapy of Depression.” Australian Psychologist 50.6 (2015): 411-415.

Schwatz JA, Nedelec JL, Beaver KM, Connolly EJ, Barnes JC. “Different Slopes for Different Folks: Genetic Influences on Growth in Delinquent Peer Association and Delinquency During Adolescence.” Journal of youth and adolescence 44.7 (2015): 1413-1427.

Strauss, A L. “Social psychology and human values.” Routledge (2017).

Watts, Roderick J. “Integrating Social Justice and Psychology.” The Counseling Psychologist 32.6 (2014): 855-865.