Literature Review: A Statistical Approach to Psychological Research Methods and Concepts

Anytime a researcher or psychologist is wanting to begin a project, or research assessment, it is important to understand the methods in which data can be analyzed. According to an article published by James Cook University (2020) there are five main types of research methods. The first is Naturalistic Observation—this is typically when a subject’s environment cannot be recreated in a lab setting, therefore the researcher is forced to go to the subject’s in their natural environment. It is described that a major disadvantage to utilizing this research method is due to the fact that individuals will typically react or respond differently to stimulus when they know that they are being watched or observed. The second method of research is called the Survey method and is typically chosen utilizing the random sample method. However, with the survey method, the data being analyzed is typically respective to an entire population, therefore there is heavy emphasis on the types of questions that should and should not be asked (James Cook University, 2020). The third is Experimental Methods—these are studies that can be conducted while in a lab or can be reproduced in a lab for validation purposes. The fourth is Correlational Studies—this method is most commonly done when an experiment type of method is not possible, and usually focuses on a combination of Naturalistic Observation, Surveys, and Archival Research. James Cook University states that Correlational Studies typically make understanding of variables we cannot control possible, but they do not provide enough information to allow a researcher to formulate a cause and effect from the study. The fifth is The fifth is Case Study—which is typically focused on a particular individual or particular group over a long period of time, and due to long-term participation required from participants there have been ethical concerns raised about Case Studies (James Cook University, 2020).

After a research method has been decided upon based on the type of information the researcher is looking to obtain, it is then important to remember that the four main objectives of psychological research are (1) to describe, (2) to explain, (3) to predict, and (4) to change or control behaviors (Bourchrika, 2023). These objectives are the most basic foundations to theories and studies that attempt to explain any cognitive, emotional, or behavioral processes that individuals may face in their daily lives (Bourchrika, 2023).

Psychological Research Study

For the purposes of this assessment, this learner has chosen to focus her attention on the grade level of students, compared to if the students passed or failed the class, based on the dataset provided in the course room. Social Learning Theory could be best used to articulate if a student will pass or fail the class, based on social expectations set forth by the school, their parents, or their peers. It appears that within the survey, the majority of students who took the class were in their third year of college, 64 students out of the total from the study of 105. Out of the 64 Junior level students that took the class, only 3 failed. 17 Seniors passed, with 2 seniors failing the class. 19 Sophomore’s passed the class, with 0 failing, and 3 Freshman passed the class, with 0 failing the class as well.

Self-esteem is a construct that can be applied to many different aspects of life—including, but not limited to “improved physical health, relationship satisfaction, and positive and negative effect,” (UK Essays, 2018). Self-esteem is also an “evaluation of an individual’s beliefs and attitudes toward his or her abilities and values,” (Zhao et al, 2021). When we assess the relationship between self-esteem and Social Learning Theory, the two can seemingly go hand-in-hand. The four main elements that go into Social Learning Theory is (1) Attention, individuals cannot learn if their attention is not focused on the task at hand, and an individuals ability to pay attention is largely related to the behavior observed, the complexity, and/or the perceived value; (2) Retention, individuals can internalize information, behaviors and their consequences; (3) Reproduction, individuals can reproduce learned behaviors and receive feedback to adjust or modify their approach for future interactions; and (4) Motivation, an individual’s willingness to perform based on rewards or punishment (Western Governors University, 2023). An individuals motivation can be directly linked to their self-esteem (Perera, 2022).

While there is great value in assessing an individual’s self-esteem in relation to competing well in this selected class, it is also important to review the limitations of such a concept as well. Self-esteem can additionally be an added stressor on a student’s performance in the manner that it can add stress in already stressful environments. A study relayed that individuals with a high level of self-esteem had added levels of test anxiety and more tension on certain tasks (Van Der Kaap-Deeder et al, 2016). Within this study we will be able to analyze, with potentially limited information, the relationship between students self-esteem and their motivation within the Social Learning Theory to complete and pass the enrolled course.

Hypothesis

A plausible hypothesis for this assessment would be that the class is primarily aimed toward students in their third year of college, however, is open to individuals in other grades. Hypothesis: The students in their third of college will most likely succeed well in the class, by applying information previously learned, while students in Freshman or Sophomore level classes will be scarce and not likely to pass, any individuals in their Senior year would be expected to do better than the third-year students. According to a study assessing the college dropout rate (Hanson, 2022), when considering the stress that Seniors usually face when preparing for the real world and careers post-college, it was more likely that a Freshman would drop out or lose motivation compared to their Senior counterpart. This leads this learner to believe that during the Seniors year in college, they will attempt to persevere and stay motivated to continue on to their next role in life—post-college.

References

Bourchrika, I. (2023). The Four Goals of Psychology. Research.Com.

https://research.com/education/goals-of-psychology#:~:text=To%20sum%20up%2C%20the%20four,face%20in%20their%20daily%20lives.

Hanson, M. (2022). College Dropout Rates. Education Data Initiative.

https://educationdata.org/college-dropout-rates

James Cook University. (2020) Five Types of Psychological Research. James Cook

University Australia. https://online.jcu.edu.au/blog/five-types-of-psychological-research-you-should-know

Perera, K. (2022). Self Esteem and Motivation (Why is it so important?). More Self Esteem.

https://more-selfesteem.com/self-motivation-and-self-esteem/

UK Essays. (2018). Social Learning Theory Self Esteem Psychology Essay. UK Essays.

https://us.ukessays.com/essays/psychology/social-learning-theory-self-esteem-psychology-essay.php

Van Der Kaap-Deeder, J., Wouters, S., Verschueren, K., Briers, V., Deeren, B., and

Vansteenkiste, M. (2016). The Pursuit of Self-Esteem and Its Motivational Implications. National Library of Medicine, Journal of the Belgian Association for Psychological Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5854109/

Western Governor’s University. (2023). How Social Learning Theory Works in Education.

Western Governor’s University, Texas. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/guide-social-learning-theory-education2005.html#close

Zhao, Y., Zheng, Z., Pan, C., and Zhou, L. (2021). Self-Esteem and Academic

Engagement Among Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model. Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.690828/full