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Describe the various steps involved in conducting a scientific enquiry.

The various steps involved in conducting a scientific enquiry are as follows:

(i) Conceptualizing a problem: The problem is the base step in scientific enquiry. It is done on the basis of past review.

(ii) Collection of data: Data collection requires a developing research. It is called as a blue print of study. In includes following aspects:

(a) participants in the study.

(b) method of data collection.

(c) procedure for data collection.

(iii) Drawing conclusion: This step includes analysis of data through the statistical procedure to understand what the data mean. This can be achieved through pie-charts, bar diagrams etc.

(iv) Revising research conclusion: It depends on the condition whether the conclusion supports the hypothesis or not.

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A researcher is studying a relationship between speed of cycling and presence of people. Formulate a relevant hypothesis and identify the independent and dependent variables.


Relevant hypothesis is as follows:

A cycle may not be working due to tyre puncture.

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What are the goals of scientific enquiry?


The goals of scientific enquiry are: description, prediction, explanation, and control of behaviour, and application of knowledge so generated, in an objective manner.

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Explain the nature of psychological data.


(i) Psychologists collect a variety of information/data from different sources employing diverse methods. The information relate to the individuals covert or overt behaviour, their subjective experiences, and mental processes.

(ii) Data form an important input in psychological enquiry. They in fact approximate the reality to some extent and provide an opportunity to verify or falsify our ideas, hunches, notions, etc.

(iii) Data are not independent entities. They are located in a context and are tied to the method and theory that govern the process of data collection. In other words, data are not independent of the physical or social context, the persons involved, and the time when the behaviour occurs.

(iv) The method of data collection used and the characteristics of respondents also influence the nature and quality of data.

(v) Also, data does not in itself speak about reality. Inferences have to be made from data. A researcher attaches meaning to the data by placing it in its proper context.

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How do experimental and control groups differ? Explain with the help of an example.


An experimental group is a group in which members of the groups are exposed to independent variable manipulation.

The control group is a comparison group that is treated in every way like the experimental group except that the manipulated variable is absent in it.

Example: In the study by Latane and Darley, there were two experimental groups and one control group. The participants in the study were sent to three types of rooms. In one room no one was present (control groups). In the other two rooms, two persons were already seated (experimental groups). Of the two experimental groups, one group was instructed not to do anything when smoke filled in the room. The other groups was not given any instructions. After the experimental manipulation had occurred the performance of the control group measured in terms of reporting of smoke was compared with that of the experimental group. It was found that the control group participants reported in maximum members about the emergency.

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