Synthesis Paper on course reflection

Synthesis Paper on course reflection

            Throughout this course, there were some goals that I had set to meet that corresponded with the syllabus Such goals were to know, understand and analyze how  research in psychology research and methods are conducted, presented  and also to provide a critical analyses  skills in the case studies related to  it using various research procedures and tools. In this synthesis paper, I will utilize the case study approach to analyze the things that I have learned about research at an introductory level and the way they can be evaluated utilizing a form of critique from a biblical Christian perspective. In this approach, I will carry out in-depth research as the only person fits in to analyze the above matters.

Research at an Introductory Level

The main things learned in research at an introductory level are that there are some matters to address in every scientific research, especially in psychology. First, one must understand the four goals of scientific research related to behavior that include; how to predict behavior, explain behavior, research the source of behavior, and comprehension of behavior (Crawford, 2017).  One must be able to tell the occurrence of behavior at its initial stages and its nature through observation. The second thing is to test its consistency and note down its future effects. The third scientific research goal is to find out the primary sources of behavior and lastly is to understand the reason behind its occurrence and the reason it has some of the effects that might be recorded.

Hypothesis Predictions and Application

Coming up with a well-done research study means that a researcher will have to test and formulate a first hypothesis (Crawford, 2017). The hypothesis is defined as the idea, theory, or question that must be real in a study.  A hypothesis is a story or an idea that must be well support using genuine arguments and evidence to support the case. Sometimes it can be used to go against the story.  Checking out the credibility of the evidence, one must be able to tell if the findings are consistent or inconsistent (Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 2011). Hypothesis may be put in different forms, such as research questions. For an excellent hypothesis to be put in place, a researcher is entitled to carry out research with the testing of the credibility of the hypothesis and come up with some of the predictions. The hypothesis is supported but not proven when there are results of the study in place after the testing process (Crawford, 2017). One must apply many different methods to support the hypothesis, after being support properly, that is the period to conclude that the hypothesis valid and already put in place in the study.

Variables and Relationships

In the research, some relationships are encouraged to be used and tested in every scientific research carried out. These relationships involve the following; both positive and negative linear relationships and the curvilinear relationships (Crawford, 2017). The positive linear relationship plays a significant role in raising the values of the first and second variables. Positive relationship happens in daily life, for example, where the more people are buying soccer match tickets, the more the stadiums will be filled up. The positive linear happens on both increases where the more the tickets are sold out, the more the stadiums will be packed into full capacity.

When the variables tend to occur negatively, that means the negative linear relationship tends to raise values of first variables, and in that process lowers down the values of the second variables in a way they might be some effects experienced. An example of negative linear variables is when the strong men are advised to pull a solid metal rod together. If one is advised to pull the metal rod alone, there is no movement of the rod at all, but when they other four strong men are told to assist the first contributor, they manage to pull the rod and shift its location exerting less effort.

Systematic increase and decrease in the values of a single variable is what is known as the curvilinear relationship. In other words, the curvilinear relationship is known as the monotonic function (Crawford, 2017). The directions tend to shift in more than once. When observing the graph most of the time, and it shows that the variables are in the form of a flat line, which indicates there is no relationship. One must understand the relations and appearances between the involved variables and also the intensity.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative research methods are procedures used in measuring variables by the use of numerical systems, analyzing and summarizing the measurements taken by the usage of various statistical models and tools and software such as SPSS and also providing variable relationship and associations’ reports (Crawford, 2017). The quantitative variables examples may be test scores recorded for measurement of the reaction time. The main reason for having all this quantitative data aims to comprehend, analyze, and have the correct prediction of natural occurrence through models and theories development. Quantitative research methods are in the form of surveys and experiments in a study. These methods are also identified as quantitative inquiry, design, quantitative methods, and quantitative study.

Qualitative research methods are the primary investigative tool in scientific research. This method is an essential tool that helps to reasons, motivation, and feedbacks (Crawford, 2017). Also, it offers a platform to see the research problem and also helps to generate ideas and hypotheses for the predicted quantitative research. Quantitative research methods expose the opinions and also explore details of the problem (Crawford, 2017). Throughout the course, I have learned conventional methods used, such as individual interviews, focus groups, observations, and samples.

Biblical Christian Perspective

The holy bible always encourages seeking knowledge.  In the book of Proverbs 15: 14 (ESV) says that “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of the fools feed on folly. Through this verse, it is evident that when one tends to seek the know-how in any field not only in psychology but all types of research, in general, will be enlightened and have something thoughtful coming out of his or her mouth (Van Cappellen, 2017).

            Reading through the scriptures, Proverbs 19: 2 (ESV) “Desire without the knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with feet misses his way.” It is true if one has that burning to desire to achieve career goals, he or she must seek knowledge first instead of rushing things and using shortcuts (Abakumova et al., 2016).  In higher education, in order to complete your degree, one must work on a research project and Thesis in the final years of the course. Without having to find enough knowledge and skills to tackle these milestones failing will be the term to describe one’s effort. On the other hand, the hand working and knowledgeable students who know how to write using APA format are the ones to excel academically (Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 2011).

References

Abakumova, I. V., Ermakov, P. N., & Kolesina, K. Y. (2016). On analyzing the results of empirical research into the life-purpose orientations of adults of various ethnic identities and religious affiliations. Psychology in Russia, 9(1), 155.

Crawford, A. R. (2017). Introduction to research: Less fright, more insight (Custom 3nd ed.). Dubuque, IA: Kendall, Hunt.

Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (Sixth edition [second printing with corrections].). (2011). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association

Van Cappellen, P. (2017). Rethinking self-transcendent positive emotions and religion: Insights from psychological and biblical research. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9(3), 254.