Question

What are the goals of scientific enquiry and briefly explain it.

Answer 1

There exists diversity in types of researches or studies undertaken by psychologists but they all seem to share some common goals of enquiry, which are as follows:

a) Description: 

• This helps to define the phenomena and distinguish it from other phenomenas.

• Description is necessary because any event or behaviour may have many aspects.

• For example, the idea of entertainment varies from reading books to going to pubs, depending on the individual.

b) Prediction: 

• Prediction means forcasting of events.

• It establishes relationship between two variables.

• For example, one might say exercising leads to weight loss.

c) Explanation: 

• Explanation involves knowing the cause or the reason behind the behaviour.

• It also tries to understand the conditions under which a particular behaviour occurs.

d) Control: 

•  Control means creating change in the phenomenon or behaviour.

• It refers  to making behaviour happen, reduction in it or enhancement in it.

e) Application: 

• Psychological researches are often conducted to solve various problems faced by file society.

• Psychology helps in solving problem at individual, organization or community level.

 There exists diversity in types of researches or studies undertaken by psychologists but they all seem to share some Common goals of enquiry.