Core studies develop understanding of why psychological research is conducted

AS Level Core Studies

Learning Objective

To develop an understanding of why psychological research is conducted, using key AS‑Level core studies as illustrative examples.

Why Do Psychologists Conduct Research?

• Describe: To provide systematic accounts of behaviour and mental processes.
• Explain: To identify causes and mechanisms underlying observed phenomena.
• Predict: To anticipate future behaviour or outcomes based on identified patterns.
• Control/Improve: To develop interventions that modify or enhance behaviour and mental health.

Core Studies and Their Contributions

The following core studies are frequently examined at AS level. Each illustrates one or more of the reasons for conducting research.

Study	Aim (Why Conducted?)	Method	Key Finding	Contribution to Understanding Research Purpose
Milgram (1963) – Obedience	Explain why ordinary people obey authority.	Laboratory experiment; participants administered shocks to “learner”.	\overline{65}% obeyed to the maximum voltage.	Shows experimental method can reveal causal mechanisms of obedience, informing prediction and control of harmful authority influence.
Stanford Prison Experiment (Zimbardo, 1971)	Describe how situational factors shape behaviour.	Simulated prison; participants assigned as guards or prisoners.	Guards displayed abusive behaviour within 48 hours.	Illustrates the power of social roles; research helps predict behaviour in institutional settings.
Asch (1951) – Conformity	Explain the influence of group pressure on judgment.	Laboratory experiment; participants gave line length judgments in a group.	\overline{75}% conformed at least once.	Provides evidence for social influence, aiding prediction of group‑driven errors.
Bandura (1961) – Bobo Doll	Describe observational learning mechanisms.	Laboratory experiment; children observed a model acting aggressively toward a doll.	Children replicated aggressive behaviour.	Demonstrates learning without reinforcement; informs interventions to reduce aggression.
Harlow (1958) – Attachment	Explain the role of contact comfort in attachment.	Laboratory experiment with infant monkeys and surrogate mothers.	Monkeys preferred cloth mother despite lack of food.	Highlights emotional needs; guides therapeutic approaches for attachment disorders.
Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Eyewitness Memory	Describe how post‑event information alters memory.	Laboratory experiment; participants watched a car crash video and answered leading questions.	Verb “smashed” led to higher speed estimates and false memories of broken glass.	Shows memory is reconstructive; informs legal practices to improve accuracy of testimony.

Linking Core Studies to the Research Cycle

Each study follows the fundamental stages of the research cycle, demonstrating why research is undertaken:

1. Identify a question (e.g., “Why do people obey authority?”).
2. Review existing literature.
3. Formulate a hypothesis.
4. Design a method (experiment, observation, survey).
5. Collect and analyse data.
6. Draw conclusions about description, explanation, prediction, or control.
7. Communicate findings and consider ethical implications.

Key Take‑aways for Revision

• Core studies provide concrete examples of why research is conducted.
• Understanding the aim of each study helps you classify it under description, explanation, prediction, or control.
• Remember the methodological strengths and limitations, as they affect the credibility of the conclusions.
• Link findings to real‑world applications (e.g., policy, therapy, legal reform) to demonstrate the “control” purpose.