The introduction to the infographic reads, “Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct research. e scientific method allows researchers to collect empirical (objective) evidence by following a sequence of carefully executed steps. In this infographic, you can trace the steps taken in an actual research project performed by two psychologists who were interested in the effect of “counting your blessings” (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Notice that the process is cyclical in nature. Answering one research question often leads researchers to develop additional questions, and the process begins again.” The body of the infographic shows a wheel with five segments. A callout pointing to the left of the first segment reads, “The researchers see an article suggesting happiness is related to greater overall health. The researchers think about their own study and wonder: “Does counting your blessings also lead to better overall health?” An arrow labeled “Ask new questions” leads from the callout to Step 1. The segments of the wheel contain a label, graphic with a callout, and actions taken.
The graphic shows a stick figure sitting in a chair with a callout reading, “Grandma always says, ‘Count your blessings.’ Why? What is the impact of a grateful outlook?”
To develop a question, a researcher will:
The graphic shows a stick figure with a callout reading, “HYPOTHESIS: People who think about positive events in their lives will report greater psychological well-being than people who think about negative events.”
To develop a hypothesis (a testable prediction), a researcher will:
The graphic shows three numbered stick figures, with text reading, “Researchers randomly assign participants to three groups. Every week, Group 1 participants list five things they are grateful for; Group 2 participants list five things that bother them; and Group 3 participants list any five things that happened. All three groups are surveyed weekly to determine their psychological well-being.”
A researcher plans a well-controlled study. Data are collected when the study is performed.
The graphic shows three stick figures with different sized heads. The text reads, “Group 1 participants reported significantly greater well-being than other groups. Researchers conclude that people who count their blessings feel better about their lives as a whole.”
A researcher organizes and analyzes the data and determines whether the hypothesis is supported.
The graphic shows a stick figure holding a paper. The text reads, “A researcher writes a description of the study and submits it to an academic journal, where it will be peer-reviewed and if approved, published for other researchers to read and use in their own research.” The researchers write an article titled, “Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life.” It is published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.