Introduction to Research Methods
Foundations of Empirical Inquiry
Department of Psychology
University Name
Semester 1, 2026 • Week 1
Today's Agenda
What is research? • Types of research • Visualising data • The research process • Key takeaways
Types of Research
Research methods are broadly classified into two paradigms, each with distinct strengths:
Quantitative Research
- Uses numerical data and statistical analysis
- Emphasises objectivity and replicability
- Examples: experiments, surveys, meta-analyses
Qualitative Research
- Uses text, interviews, and observations
- Emphasises depth and contextual understanding
- Examples: case studies, ethnography, thematic analysis
Mixed Methods
Combines both approaches — increasingly common in modern research to triangulate findings and strengthen conclusions.
Visualising Your Data
Effective data visualisation helps your audience understand patterns and relationships at a glance.
- Bar charts — compare groups or categories
- Line charts — show trends over time
- Scatter plots — reveal correlations
- Box plots — display distributions
Pro Tip
Always label your axes, include units, and add a descriptive caption.
Figure 1. Sample data across four experimental groups.
The Research Process
A five-step framework for conducting empirical research:
Iterative Process
Research is rarely linear — expect to revisit earlier steps as your understanding deepens.