As People Age, They Change in a Myriad of Ways ??” Both Biological and Psychological Essay Example

the authors Aron, Aron & Coups (2009), selecting variables for a study should be based on whether they are applicable to the behavior being studied and whether other unaddressed factors could explain the results. Although descriptive statistics provide contextual information about the data collected in a research study, psychologists commonly use inferential statistics to draw conclusions from the data (Aron, Aron & Coups, 2009; Hogan, 2007). For example, an exploratory study on behavior and reward may lead to an inferential process that results in a research question.

If a certain number of individuals listen to a persuasive speech and then participate in a survey, the survey outcomes may suggest that a particular amount of people are likely to modify their behavior according to the provided information. These presumptions would be used to create a set of hypotheses, which could involve a variety of factors such as the tendency for people with limited knowledge to alter their behavior or the likelihood that some individuals will remain steadfast in their beliefs after hearing the speech.

Exploring deeper inquiries and deductions could reveal the underlying causes or related traits. A possible factor could be low economic status. Additionally, cultural background, ethnicity, and similar factors might affect the openness towards the message. The speech semantics could also generate further deductions. Collectively, statistical inferences and hypothesis formulation could apply to all of these aspects. Thus, a subsequent research project can be developed accordingly (Plante, 2005; Hogan, 2007).

Assessing categories of independent variables, such as socioeconomic status, education, age, and mother tongue, is crucial relative to the semantics of speech and perception of concepts. The evaluation would mostly be inferential and would not

involve statistical measures. The assessment process would involve a structured response survey and supplementary focus groups or interviews. Subsequently, the results would be compiled and analyzed to establish if the characteristics were positively correlated with language and receptivity. As the persuasive speech aimed to prompt behavior or attitude change, the survey included a related question.

Assessing characteristics or categories helps to explore the likelihood of behavior. Although numbers reveal the relationship between the characteristics and categories, graphing the results can uncover additional hidden variables. This graphic representation provides researchers with an alternative snapshot of the data and is meaningful in many ways (Aron, Aron & Coups, 2009). Choosing the most suitable visual chart can either enhance or lessen the findings. Nevertheless, graphic representations can also confirm or challenge hypotheses, provoke further research questions, and/??or stimulate readers' curiosity.

Any and/or all of these possibilities are likely in the scientific method cycle used by psychology to discern the validity of a hypothesis or theoretical tenet. As demonstrated in prior exploration, psychology relies on methodology from both science and social science. Statistical evaluation plays a crucial role in separating and/or reconciling inquiry and reason, and aids researchers in uncovering truth through individual hypotheses and studies. References: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2943397/ http://rap.ucr.edu/jrp_triad.pdf