Methods of Psychology — Types of Research
Descriptive • Evaluative • Diagnostic • Prognostic
1. Meaning and Importance of Research Typology in Psychology
Psychological research does not follow a single purpose. Different studies aim to describe behaviour, evaluate interventions, diagnose problems, or predict future outcomes. Therefore, psychologists classify research into Descriptive, Evaluative, Diagnostic, and Prognostic types based on the goal of inquiry.
graph TD R[Psychological Research] --> D[Describe] R --> E[Evaluate] R --> DI[Diagnose] R --> P[Predict]
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2. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research aims to systematically observe, record, and describe behaviour or mental processes as they naturally occur, without manipulating variables. It answers the question: “What is happening?”
Key Characteristics
- Non-experimental and observational
- No manipulation of variables
- Provides factual and baseline information
- Often the first step in psychological inquiry
graph TD OBS[Observation] --> DATA[Data Collection] DATA --> DESC[Description of Behaviour] DESC --> BASE[Baseline Knowledge]
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3. Evaluative Research
Evaluative research assesses the effectiveness, impact, or utility of psychological programs, policies, therapies, or interventions. It answers: “Does it work?”
Key Characteristics
- Judges outcomes against objectives
- Used in applied and policy psychology
- May use experimental or quasi-experimental methods
graph TD INT[Intervention] --> MEA[Measurement] MEA --> COMP[Comparison] COMP --> RES[Evaluation Result]
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4. Diagnostic Research
Diagnostic research seeks to identify causes, conditions, or underlying mechanisms behind psychological problems. It answers: “Why is this happening?”
Key Characteristics
- Focuses on causation and explanation
- Used in clinical, counselling, and organisational psychology
- Often combines tests, interviews, and case studies
graph TD SYM[Symptoms] --> ASSESS[Assessment] ASSESS --> CAUSE[Underlying Causes] CAUSE --> DIAG[Diagnosis]
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5. Prognostic Research
Prognostic research aims to predict future trends, outcomes, or behavioural trajectories based on present psychological data. It answers: “What is likely to happen?”
Key Characteristics
- Future-oriented
- Uses statistical models and longitudinal data
- Important for planning and prevention
graph TD CUR[Current Data] --> PAT[Patterns] PAT --> PRED[Prediction] PRED --> PLAN[Planning & Prevention]
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6. Comparative Summary of Research Types
| Type | Core Question | Main Purpose | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | What is happening? | Observation and documentation | Surveys, observational studies |
| Evaluative | Does it work? | Assess effectiveness | Program evaluation |
| Diagnostic | Why is it happening? | Identify causes | Clinical assessment |
| Prognostic | What will happen? | Prediction and planning | Risk assessment, forecasting |
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