Introduction
Research and statistics are crucial discipline in various natural sciences. This is because they help specialist in making appropriate decisions in their field.
Statistical tests are usually applied in quantitive research (Aron & Coups, 2009). This question requires the definition of research and statistics, differences between primary and secondary data. It also requires the role of research and statistics in the field of psychology.
Research is defined as the detailed study of a subject in order to develop new information. It involves collecting and analyzing information or data and dissemination of facts in order to develop unique solutions to problems or cases.
The term research is used to describe a series of activities involved in finding and presenting new information. It may include gathering data through surveys, experiments or even other techniques. It involves a series of steps, which must be systematically followed (Howitt, 2009).
Scientific method is the process through which scientist collectively try to get a reliable and consistent representation of the world. It attempts to reduce the impact of bias in the experiment when testing a hypothesis.
In this case, a problem is identified and then experiments are performed to test the hypothesis that purports to solve that problem. It involves the formulation of a hypothesis concerning a problem, experimentation to determine whether it is true or false and conclusion that modifies the hypothesis (Aron & Coups, 2009).
Primary data and secondary data
Data used to perform an experiment to test hypothesis, may be either primary data or secondary data. Primary data is collected from first hand experience. Primary sources provide raw data that are used to test the hypothesis.
The basics of collecting primary data are survey research, field research, current research and experiments. Primary sources include objects, maps, textbook etc.
On the other hand, secondary data are defined as the statistical data, which is not originated from the researcher but comes from someone else’s records. These data are usually generated from journals, newspapers, reports, magazines etc.
Comparison between primary and secondary data
Role of statistics in research
Statistics involves collecting, analyzing and making conclusions from data. Data in the real world is subject to errors. It is only statistical analysis, which is feasible for error affected data. Statistics help us to understand and explain phenomena in the world and, to help us draw valid inferences about those phenomena (Howitt, 2009).
Researchers use statistical techniques and analyses to disseminate research findings. They are used to support the hypothesis and conclusions from research methodology. It is vital for researchers and users of research to understand statistics in order be informed, evaluate the usefulness of information, and make appropriate decisions. Importance of statistics in the modern world cannot be underestimated.
Today the theory of statistics is used in every field such as psychology, geology, agricultural science, medicine, physiology, or other science. Psychology is the study of behavior and cognitive processes. It involves understanding individuals and groups by establishing general principles and researching cases.
Research and statistics play extremely significant role in the field of psychology. This is because research is vital as it helps to prove or reject theories (Aron & Coups, 2009). The information we have today about human behavior and the brain is because of research and statistics.
Like any other sciences, psychology relies on a scientific method, based on observation and experimentation. The validity of theories can only be formed through experimental evidence, and this is collated in the form of research and statistics.
Statistics is vital in psychology as it determines whether the conclusions made are valid and whether they are significant based on probability. Experts in the field of psychology make observations in order to make an appropriate decision about a problem.
Without research and statistics, this will not be possible, as they will not aim for an idea, which is practical along with the expected results. Psychology relies on scientific methods, which is based on observation and experimentation. Statistics helps to determine whether the conclusions are valid based on probability.
It evaluates the importance of result and determines whether the hypothesis is valid or not (Howitt, 2009).
Conclusion
Research and statistics involves collecting and analyzing data through experiments and making inferences (Aron & Coups, 2009). There are two types of data, primary data, which is the original source and secondary data, which was previously published.
Statistics is used in to support the hypothesis and conclusions in research methodology. Statistics is paramount in research as the data from the real world is subject to errors.
Finally, research and statistics are fundamental aspects in psychology this because the information on human behavior and brain is a result of research. Research and statistics are also used in other fields such as agriculture, medicine, physiology and others (Howitt, 2009).
Reference List
Aron, A., & Coups, E. (2009). Statistics for psychology. New York: Pearson.
Howitt, D. (2009). Introduction to statistics in psychology. New York: Pearson Education Ltd.