There are three main types of psychological research correlational research descriptive research experimental research the following are common research designs and data collection methods archival research case study although case studies are often included in research methods pages they are actually not a single research method case study methodology involves using a body of different research methods eg interview observation self report questionnaire. Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct studies and research in psychology the basic process of conducting psychology research involves asking a question designing a study collecting data analyzing results reaching conclusions and sharing the findings. Psychological research is also termed based on the time it takes to carry out research for instance these are popular research methods in developmental psychology specifically known as cross sectional research and longitudinal research the former refers to research that is carried out at one point in time where data variables and all other necessary elements are available at the same point whereas longitudinal research is carried out over a period of time where data is gathered over . Paradigm a set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline paradigm shift the result of scientific revolution a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline objectivity when all sources of personal bias are minimised so not to distort or influence the research process