ABSTRACT
Psychology is an empirical science which means that it involves systematic observations - the collection of data. There is a multiplicity of methods available to the psychological researcher. In particular, there are quantitative methods that are primarily experimental and correlational (or psychometric) in approach and a whole host of observational and qualitative methods. I believe that the experimental method is the cornerstone of our science, but I have also used a range of other methods in my own research, such as correlational and regression methods and qualitative techniques such as diary studies and verbal protocol analysis. The precise methods chosen should always depend upon the research question that is being addressed: you need the right tools for the job.
