formation and the retrieval ofinformation. The methods of data collection used are again experimentationbut with much use of computer modeling.The evolutionary perspective believes that psychological processes echo theevolutionary processes of natural selection. Its method of data collectionincludes the deduction of explanations for behavior, and comparisonsbetween species and cultures. It also involves a limited amount ofexperimentation.Of these four perspectives all lend common similarities to the traditionalsciences. All have elements of controlled experimentation, as does physicsor chemistry. Cognitive perspectives use computer modeling, as doesmathematics. There are similarities, but there are also differences to anyother sciences, such as the study of dreams and fantasies.The methods of experimentation and research in psychology is completed on ascientific basis. Psychological experimental research would involve themanipulation of a situation to examine the way in which the subjects of anexperiment react, in order to observe cause and effect. The experimentermanipulates independent variables and the subjects responses would provethe dependant variables. By measuring the subjects responses, theexperimenter can tell if the manipulation has had an effect.Psychological hypotheses are sought to operationalise - to turn an abstractconcept into a concrete argument. This process is scientific in itselement. The hypothesis is framed, variables are operationalisedseparately, a standard procedure is developed that is maintained throughoutthe experiment, subjects are scientifically selected, results are testedand conclusions drawn.Control groups are often used, similar in essence to control chemicals usedin chemistry. These control groups are not exposed to the manipulation butinstead to neutral conditions, providing a standards to compare results. In some cases researchers carry out blind studies where subjects are keptunaware of...
