ABSTRACT
This chapter explains research terminology using examples of research undertaken within forensic psychology. Academic and practising forensic psychologists contribute towards the development of forensic psychology by undertaking scholarly activity in the form of research. It is therefore important that forensic psychologists are familiar with research design, methodology and the analysis and interpretation of results. Research generally follows one of the two different methodological approaches: quantitative and qualitative. While quantitative researchers address specific questions and collect data in a numerical format, those adopting a qualitative approach obtain in-depth information increasing their understanding of human behaviour and why it has come about. Quantitative research typically follows a scientific methodology, using experiments and surveys. Surveys are used to investigate opinions, attitudes and self-ratings of experiences relating to criminal events. The survey method involves the use of questionnaires, self-assessment rating scales and standardised tests. The use of questionnaires helps researchers to understand the relationship between emotional stress and memory recall for criminal events.
