PSY403 Midterm Past Paper

Rana Abubakar Khan

Download all Past Papers for Final terms

If you want to learn computer programming then contact with me

JOIN FB GROUP FOR VU HELP

Spring 2008

Q01. Conducting a scientific research is an important ingredient in social psychology. Hina is doing masters in Applied Psychology from Punjab University. She is in 4

th semester and has recently started working on her thesis. Her research topic is “Motivational Factors of Cigarette Smoking in Adolescents and Young Adults”. In last briefing, her supervisor told her that the entire research will base on eight steps. Selection of problem is the first step.

Briefly define what scientific research is? (2) Name and elaborate all eight steps involved in a standardized scientific research and relate those to the above mentioned topic. (1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1)

Solution:

Scientific Research:

Scientific research is the systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena (Kerlinger, 1964) It is systematic observation of phenomena for the purpose of learning new facts or testing the application of theories to known facts. Scientific method refers to the body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. The distinctive characteristic of scientific research is the maintenance of records and careful control or observation of conditions under which the phenomena are studied so that others will be able to reproduce the observations.

Steps Involved in a scientific research:

Develop a research question & review literature

During this step the research problem is identified and then scientific literature is searched in order to determine the prior shape of the topic. Previous articles and other research papers are carefully studied in order to gain information about the topic. Sources of literature may be books, research articles, unpublished materials and electronic database. Hina found that many youngsters are getting involved in cigarette smoking. So she is trying to find those factors that motivate youngsters to get involve in cigarette smoking. Her problem statement les: “Motivational Factors of Cigarette Smoking in Adolescents and Young Adults”.

Spring 2008

Develop a research theory/ hypothesis

The question, developed usually is based upon some sort of theory and a theory. The next step of scientific research is the formulation of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is the logical implication of the theory. By reviewing the related literature, one is able to formulate the hypotheses pertaining to the variables of interest. Reviewing the related research articles helps one formulate various hypotheses. In the above mentioned research Hina hyhothized: H o: Peer group influence does not play a significant role in motivating the youngsters towards smoking. HA : Peer group influence plays a significant role in motivating the youngsters towards smoking.

Variables and operational definitions

The next step is to determine the variables and establishing their operational definitions. Variables are the factors that can be varied in order to study their effect upon the results of the research.

Peer Group: Peer group is a subgroup of a society in which membership is determined by similar age, sharing the same social status. Peer group does not necessarily connote competitors, but most often are the call centers that have the same profile of activities that you have.

Motivational factors: These are the factors that motivate youngsters towards cigarette smoking like social influence, modeling, media, peer group, status complex, health reasons and for being chic and stylish.

Cigarette smoking: Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally. A smoking habit is a physical addiction to tobacco products. The person smoking minimum one cigarette daily will be considered as a smoker.