Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
12:10
Performing Behavioral Tasks in Subjects with Intracranial Electrodes
Published on: October 2, 2014
Roles of instruments in psychological research
1Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Berlin, Germany. sturm@bbaw.de
History of Psychology
|July 19, 2005
Summary
This study explores the crucial role of psychological instruments in research. It defines what constitutes a psychological instrument and evaluates their historical impact, possibilities, and limitations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Scientific Research Methodology
Background:
- Examines the historical and conceptual role of instruments in psychology and related fields.
- Challenges common assumptions regarding scientific experimentation and instrument use.
Observation:
- Investigates how instruments shape the dynamics of psychological research.
- Proposes an inclusive definition of a psychological instrument.
Findings:
- Details the relationship between instrumentation and psychological theories.
- Differentiates the evolving roles of instruments throughout psychology's history.
Implications:
- Offers a framework for assessing the capabilities and constraints of psychological instruments.
- Provides a foundation for future case studies on instrumentation in psychology.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:30Naturalistic Observations
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
02:01Group Design
The most basic experimental design involves two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The two groups are designed to be the same except for one difference— experimental manipulation. The experimental group gets the experimental manipulation—that is, the treatment or variable being tested—and the control group does not. Since experimental manipulation is the only difference between the experimental and control groups, we can be sure that any differences between the two are due to...
01:56Ethics in Research
Today, scientists agree that good research is ethical in nature and is guided by a basic respect for human dignity and safety. However, this has not always been the case. Modern researchers must demonstrate that the research they perform is ethically sound.
01:24Defining Psychology
Psychology is the scientific discipline dedicated to understanding both observable behavior and the internal mental processes underlying such behavior. It aims to comprehend human nature and apply this understanding to solve practical problems, enhance well-being, and improve societal outcomes. An example of psychology's application is the study of prosocial behavior, such as why and under what conditions individuals might help strangers in need. This process involves describing observed...
01:13Psychology as a Science
Psychology, as a scientific discipline, aims to understand the mind and behavior through rigorous and systematic methods. The foundation of psychological research is evidence-based, relying heavily on the scientific method to derive and validate knowledge. This structured approach ensures that findings are reliable, valid, and applicable to broader contexts.
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
01:09Defining Social Psychology
Social psychology investigates how the presence and actions of others influence individual behavior, cognition, and emotion. Examining the social environment's impact provides a scientific framework for understanding how individuals perceive others and are, in turn, influenced by them. This field seeks to uncover the underlying principles guiding social interactions, exploring phenomena such as conformity, obedience, and prosocial behavior.Core Themes in Social PsychologyOne central focus of...