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Gleaned Information from the Introduction to Psychology Course
Annie Nicholson
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC 255: Introduction to Research
Dr. Hilary Trevizu
March 28, 2022
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Gleaned Information from the Introduction to Psychology Course
The research into psychology creates vast opportunities for exploration in any subject.
That is one of the reasons why basic research skills are often taught at many high schools, to
instill the love the research into students. But one entering the field of psychology or into a field
associated with it must know the totality of research methodologies. Taking the research into
psychology class has given me immense insight into the world of research, which will benefit me
in my future career. In this study I will be addressing what I have learned thus far at an
introductory level, the biblical critique of this, and how these conclusions came about.
Information Attained
APA Format
To begin, before researching or writing anything in the Psychology world one needs to
know APA format front and back (Salkind, 2010). That is why one of the first assignments in the
Research into Psychology class was to write an in-depth paper on the ins and outs of APA. This
paper required us as students to locate and explain how to format different sources and why one
would use those sources in the first place. This lesson was very beneficial in that, I learned how
to in-text and reference media presentations, books, articles, personal communications, etc
(American Psychological Association, 2020). This information is important to know because
when one conducts research on someone and then goes on to document their results, they need to
give credit to where it is due. To do this it is essential to know how to in-text cite and reference
several sources that may not be evident at first.
Variables in Research
Next, I gained knowledge on what variables are in research. When conducting research or
studies on a person or circumstance one needs to know what variables are and how they are used.
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Essentially variables are “an event or characteristic with at least two possible values” (Crawford,
2019). This means that the situation you are documenting needs as least two values. Those
values are called variables. There are multiple types of variables such as: independent variable,
dependent variable, and subject variable. An independent variable is what the researcher changes
to get results. The dependent variable is what is observed in the study and a subject variable is an
attribute of the participant that can vary the results of the study (Crawford, 2019). These terms
are essential to know when conducting a study and documenting it. That is why it was so heavily
emphasized and integrated in the assignments. I ultimately gained knowledge of these terms by
repeated use of them and by being tested on what they were every week.
Reliability and Validity
To continue the next topic, I gained knowledge in is reliability and validity. Reliability is
“the consistency of your measure to produce similar results on different occasions” (Crawford,
2019). Essentially it is a method to further test and see if what you are measuring will produce
the same results in different circumstances. Validity is “the ability of your measurement to
accurately measure what it is supposed to measure” (Crawford, 2019). What this means is that
what you are using to measure the results needs to be accurate. These two methods are important
in that if there is a flaw in what you are measuring or the tool you are using to measure then the
results will be flawed which takes away from the whole study. That is why in research checking
the reliability and validity is so vital to the study. I learned what reliability and validity are
through various quizzes and assignments. For example, one assignment given was to research a
media presentation and determine the reliability and validity. Through this assignment I was able
to check for the reliability and validity myself and put my knowledge to practice.
Qualitative vs Quantitative Research
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Moving on the next topic in research that I learned was the difference between qualitative
and quantitative research. Qualitative research methods are “where researchers seek insight
through in-depth collection of information, hopefully resulting in new hypotheses” (Crawford,
2019). This means that data is collected from observation and communication. Quantitative
research methods “seek objectivity through testable hypotheses and carefully designed studies”
(Crawford, 2019). This means that data is collected through surveys and questionaries. These
results consist of mostly statistics. Is it important to choose the correct type of research because it
allows the researcher to gain the most relevant information for their study leading to their
success (Baxter, 2008). Throughout the course the knowledge and definition of qualitative and
quantitative research were integrated in quizzes and discussion boards. These assignments helped
me apply my knowledge and further master the concept.
Critique from a Biblical Perspective
Throughout the course, we have been asked to view certain concepts through the lens of a
biblical perspective. This is asked of us because as Christians we should view everything this
way even research. To begin, APA format can be used for both good and evil. As Christians we
should stay true to formatting because it plays a major role in giving credit to other. When we do
not credit others in their work, we are stealing their work and lying about it As Christians we are
commanded not steal or lie and so staying true to APA format and properly credit their world
glorifies God. Next, in terms of reliability and validity staying true to our measurements and
measuring tools is essential to produce sound results. When our reliability and validity is off our
results will be off and this warping our results. As Christians we are called to do everything in
excellence as if we are doing it directly to our creator. So, when we do not pay attention to
reliability and validity, we are not giving God our best which we ought to do as Christians.
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Continuing, at first glance the topic of variables may not seem like it connects to a biblical
worldview but in fact it does. When we properly use variables, we are organizing our work and
doing it to the best of our ability. As mentioned above as Christians we are called to do
everything with excellence and organizing variables in a study accomplishes this. Lastly, using
qualitative and quantitative research depending on the study also displays excellence in that you
are using your reasoning to pick the correct type of method to use. When we put effort into
something we are showing the Lord that we care and thus pursing excellence. Thus, research in
general can be applied with a biblical worldview as demonstrated above.
Conclusion
Throughout the research into psychology course, I have learned so much about research
methods and about the importance of mastering APA format. I learned about these things though
various assignments such as quizzes, discussion boards, and papers. These assignments allowed
me to apply the information that I have learned in that to complete them I have to understand the
concept at a level where I could create my own content with it. Thus, these assignments best
accomplished that goal. Moreover, as Christians we should view everything through a biblical
lens even psychology. Throughout this course I have learned the importance of staying true to
APA format and seeking excellence in every aspect of the study or research. In conclusion, this
class has proven to be helpful and allowed me to gain more knowledge in the world of research
and psychology and use those skills that I learned in real life circumstances. It also allowed me to
apply a biblical worldview to the concepts and critique them from a Christian perspective. Thus,
I have gained the knowledge needed to go into the world of research and begin creating my own
studies.
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References
American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative case study methodology: Study design and
implementation for novice researchers. The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544-559.
Retrieved from http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR13-4/baxter.pdf
Crawford, R. (2019). Introduction to research: Less fright, more insight (A customized version
of research methods: Are you equipped? Second edition by Jennifer Bonds-Raacke and
John Raacke). Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781524965457/
Mills, A. J., Durepos, G., & Wiebe, E. (2010). Encyclopedia of case study research. SAGE
Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397
Salkind, N, J. (2010). Encyclopedia of case study research in Psychology. SAGE Publications,
Inc. https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397.n40
