A wide range of research methods are used in psychology these methods vary by the sources from which information is obtained how that information is sampled and the types of instruments that are used in data collection methods also vary by whether they collect qualitative data quantitative data or both qualitative psychological research is where the research findings are not arrived at . Research methods aims and hypotheses the aim of the study is a statement of what the researcher intents to investigate the hypothesis sampling a sample is the participants you select from a target population the group you are interested in to make variables independent variable iv . Psychology research methods study guide introduction to research methods the first step in your review should include a basic introduction to psychology the scientific method psychologists use the scientific method to conduct studies and research in psychology the basic correlational . Now in its ninth successful edition research methods in psychology unites students passion for psychology with their interest in answering questions about behavior and mental processes the text introduces students to an array of methodological tools psychologists use in their research from the basics of scientific inquiry ethical conduct and controlled observation to correlational