Class 11 Psychology - BIHAR
Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
Chapter 2 of Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 11 Psychology, 'Methods of Enquiry in Psychology', introduces students to how psychologists scientifically study human behavior and mental processes. This chapter covers the goals of psychological enquiry, steps in scientific research, and various methods like observation, experimental method, correlational research, survey, and case study. It also highlights ethical issues in psychological research. Understanding this chapter is crucial for board exams as it forms the foundational base for experimental design and practical applications, carrying significant weightage in both objective and subjective questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Goals of Psychological Enquiry
The primary objectives are description, prediction, explanation, and control of behavior, along with application of knowledge to solve human problems.
Experimental Method
A research method where the investigator manipulates an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable while controlling extraneous variables.
Observation Method
A technique involving systematic and objective viewing and recording of behavior as it occurs naturally in real-life situations without manipulation.
Correlational Research
A non-experimental method used to find out if two or more variables are related, represented by a correlation coefficient ranging from -1.0 to +1.0.
Case Study
An in-depth, detailed investigation of an individual, small group, or situation using multiple sources of information like interviews, tests, and documents.
Ethical Guidelines
Rules that protect research participants, including voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, and debriefing after the study.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the BSEB Class 11 Psychology examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently include short-answer questions defining methods like observation or case studies, long-answer questions explaining the experimental method and its variables, and objective/MCQ questions regarding ethical principles and research steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?
An independent variable is manipulated or altered by the researcher to see its effect, while the dependent variable is the behavior or outcome that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable.
Why is observation alone not enough in psychological research?
Observation can be subjective, influenced by the observer's biases, and does not establish cause-and-effect relationships, which is why experimental methods are often required.
What is informed consent?
It is an ethical procedure where participants are told about the nature of the study, potential risks, and benefits before they agree to take part in the research.
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