Approximate reading time: 11 minutes

Psychology is all about studying how we think, feel and act. It’s not just about what’s going on in our minds. It’s about how our bodies react, how we respond emotionally, and how we behave, as both social and biological beings. Psychology researchers look into why we see things the way we do, why we think certain thoughts, why our feelings can change, and why we act differently in different places and with different people. They use scientific and other methods to understand these phenomena. They don’t just guess; they do careful observations, studies, and research. This careful inquiry helps us understand ourselves and others better, no matter where we are or who we’re with. Psychologists may be professionally trained and licensed therapists, qualified to diagnose and treat individuals experiencing neurological, behavioural, or psychological challenges. Other psychologists may work in research and education.

In the late 1800s, before the formal establishment of psychology as a distinct academic discipline, the exploration of the mind and human behaviour was deeply rooted in ancient wisdom traditions and Indigenous knowledge systems. These early foundations of psychological thought, spanning various cultures and continents, provided rich insights into the human condition.

In Asia, for instance, the teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism offered profound psychological insights thousands of years ago. Buddhist philosophy, with its focus on the mind and meditation, delved into concepts of mindfulness and the nature of suffering and happiness. Similarly, Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita explored the self, consciousness, and the interaction of emotions and duty.

Indigenous North American cultures also held sophisticated understandings of psychology. For example, many tribes viewed mental health as a balance between the individual, their community, and the natural world. Healing practices often involved community rituals, storytelling, and a deep connection with nature, reflecting a holistic approach to mental well-being.

Ancient civilizations, such as those in Greece and Egypt, also contributed to early psychological thought. Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle pondered questions of the mind, sensation, and perception, laying early groundwork for psychological inquiry. In Egypt, the concept of the soul and its journey after death, as depicted in the Book of the Dead, reflects an early form of psychological exploration.

These ancient and Indigenous perspectives on mind and behaviour were integral to the development of modern psychology. They underscore the diverse roots of psychological thought and highlight the importance of considering a wide range of cultural and historical perspectives in understanding the human mind and behaviour.

Modern psychology’s journey to becoming a recognised academic discipline is a unique story. Before the late 1800s, the exploration of the mind was primarily a job for philosophers. They pondered questions about human thought, emotion, and behaviour, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become psychology.

As scientific methods began to evolve and the study of human behaviour became more systematic, psychology began to emerge as its own discipline. Today, we see psychology as a fundamental science, on par with fields like medicine, physics, and mathematics.

At its core, psychology delves into behaviours that have biological roots, aligning it with natural sciences such as biology. This connection highlights the concept that our behaviours are deeply intertwined with our biological makeup. Psychology, however, extends beyond just the biological aspect. It also encompasses the social dimension of human existence. Our behaviours are significantly shaped by our interactions with others, situating psychology firmly within the realm of social sciences as well.

This blended biological and social nature of psychology sets it apart from disciplines like literature, history, and sociology. Psychology uses naturalistic observation, rigorous scientific methods, including experimentation, and analysis, to understand the complexities of the human mind and behaviour. Modern psychology is a unique and vital science, bridging the biological and social aspects of human life.

As we trace the evolution of psychology from its ancient roots and philosophical beginnings to its recognition as a distinct scientific discipline, we gain a deeper appreciation for its complexity and breadth. An integral part of psychology requires us to learn about the tools and methods we use to conduct our inquiries. Let’s briefly examine the inquiry methods that psychologists use to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Inquiry Methods used in Psychology

Understanding the discipline of psychology requires a closer look at the tools and techniques that psychology professionals use. Just as a painter uses a variety of brushes and colours to create a masterpiece, psychologists use a diverse array of methods to paint a detailed picture of human experiences and interactions. These methods each have their own unique focus and strength; each method provides valuable insights into our psychological makeup.

Collaborative and Inclusive Approaches

Collaborative and inclusive approaches involve communities as active participants in the research process, fostering shared understanding and mutual learning. This method ensures that research reflects the experiences and perspectives of the community involved, making the research more relevant and beneficial to those communities. Respecting participants and their communities during the data collection process is the highest priority in psychological research, a caution we are reminded of after the ethical concerns raised by the research conducted with the Havasupai Tribe (Go to Supplement IP.3 for more on this story). A collaborative and inclusive approach, where communities are engaged as active participants, is essential. This ensures that research is conducted ethically, reflecting the experiences and perspectives of those involved, and contributing positively to the communities. Such an approach not only reduces ethical risks but also improves the quality of the research process and data collected.

Case Studies

Case studies involve an in-depth study of individuals or small groups over time. This method allows psychologists to deeply explore complex psychological issues by focusing on finer details that help to uncover unique, individual patterns and small group insights.

Observational Studies

Observational studies involve observing behaviour in natural settings without interference. This method is key for understanding how people behave in their usual environments and can provide real-world insights into human behaviour, capturing the spontaneity and authenticity of real-life situations.

Surveys and Questionnaires

Surveys and questionnaires involve collecting data from many people to find common patterns. This method is widely used in various fields of psychology, such as social psychology, to measure public opinions and attitudes about products or collect feedback after an event.

Interviews

Interviews in psychology gather personal experiences through conversations. They provide qualitative (word-based) data that is descriptive and not numerical. This method helps psychologists to understand individual thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Examples include studying the different ways in which people experience grief, gaining an understanding of empathy by studying the ways in which individuals relate to others’ feelings, and exploring the content and emotional impact of dreams. These topics are complex and subjective, making interviews a suitable method for in-depth exploration.

Ethnography

Ethnography involves immersing oneself in a community or culture to understand it from an insider’s perspective. Psychologists use this method to gain a deep, thorough understanding of social interactions, traditions, and behaviours in specific cultural settings, often through participant observation and interviews.

Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative analysis focuses on the quality of experiences, often through analysing texts or observational data. This method is used in psychology to understand complex phenomena that are difficult to quantify (i.e., measure with numbers), and provides a deeper understanding of the subjective aspects of human psychology.

Longitudinal Studies

Longitudinal studies follow the same individuals over a long period to observe changes. This method is crucial for understanding how people change over time, whether in response to life events, developmental stages, or other factors, and offers insights into the dynamics of psychological development.

Cross-Cultural Studies

Cross-cultural studies compare behaviour across different cultures. This method helps psychologists understand how cultural contexts influence human behaviour, revealing both universal human traits and culturally specific patterns, thereby enhancing our understanding of human diversity.

Experimental Methods

Experimental methods involve conducting experiments in controlled or natural settings to test hypotheses. This approach allows psychologists to establish cause-and-effect relationships (understanding what causes what) by manipulating variables and observing the outcomes, thereby providing a scientific basis for psychological theories.

Psychobiological Methods

Psychobiological methods focus on studying the biological bases of behaviour, like brain imaging (techniques for visualising the brain’s structure and function) and genetic testing. These methods are essential for understanding the interaction between biological processes (such as brain activity and genetic factors) and psychological phenomena.

Now that we have discussed the diverse tools and techniques that form the foundation of psychological practice, we can see how these methods are applied in real-life scenarios. Each technique, from detailed observations to engaging directly with individuals, plays a pivotal role in deepening our understanding of the interactions between human biology, behaviour, and mental processes.

Two case studies: Researching cinnamon versus chocolate in a dorm

Read Supplement IP.4 and IP.5 to follow the story of Siddharth, a psychology student who shows how to practically apply methods of inquiry and psychological research methods. Siddharth develops a unique approach to fostering community within his dormitory. He uses his expert baking skills to tempt his roommates out of their dorm rooms to hang out and form friendships. Siddharth’s case study gives us an overview of how psychological methods can be creatively used to help with everyday challenges. You can read the conclusion to Siddharth’s story at the end of the next chapter, Psychological Science.

Section Summary

In this section we discussed the methods of inquiry used in psychology. These methods each provide a different way to collect data and understand human behaviour. They are applied in research to draw accurate conclusions about psychological phenomena. This knowledge is essential for conducting your own research and evaluating the findings of others, ensuring a solid foundation in scientific inquiry within the field of psychology.