PSYC FPX 3210 Assessment 1 Research Designs And Methods
Name
Capella University
PSYC FPX 3210 Human Lifespan Development
Prof. Name
December, 2024
PSYC FPX 3210 Assessment 1 A systematic approach for the investigation of phenomena is research design and method. It refers to an outline for the entire study to determine how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted (Taherdoost, 2022). Common types are experimental, correlational, descriptive, and longitudinal. This involves the manipulation of variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships. The correlational method involves establishing the strength and direction of relationships between variables without a process of manipulation. Descriptive research emphasizes the reporting of an occurrence in-depth, and longitudinal designs report changes over time. Research methods, in turn, describe the ways and means used to gather data, for example, surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. Each has its merits and demerits, and which one is used depends on the research question, the nature of the data, and the outcome expected. Overall, the selection of the research design and methods would largely depend upon ensuring the validity, reliability, and ethical integrity of the study.
Research into psychological behavior, cognition, and emotion mainly relies on appropriate choice of research design and methodology to explore human behavior, cognition, and emotion (Halkiopoulos et al., 2022). Research design outlines the study framework on how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted for answers to specific psychological questions. The common designs are the experimental, correlational, and observational approaches. In the experimental designs, the independent variables are manipulated so that their effects on dependent variables are observed. This can thus lead to conclusions on cause-and-effect relationships. Correlational designs explore the relationship between variables that have not been manipulated and indicate the presence of patterns rather than causal links. The methods for psychological research are also different, including surveys, interviews, and behavioral experiments, where data collection is usually typical. The choice of method and design depends on the research question, whether it is to test a hypothesis, explore a phenomenon, or describe psychological processes. Moreover, ethical considerations are very important in psychological research, as it involves human participants. Researchers have to ensure that their studies respect participants’ privacy, confidentiality, and well-being, and they have to obtain informed consent and follow ethical guidelines throughout the research process.
Shyness in Toddlers
Shyness in toddlers is a very common behavior that tends to appear between the ages of 1 and 3, as children start to explore their social world. At this point, toddlers may be wary of new people, places, or situations. For some, this shyness is just a passing developmental phase, but for others, it may become a more long-lasting characteristic. Studies, such as those conducted by Liu & Bell, (2019), have indicated that early shyness in toddlers may be associated with specific temperamental characteristics, such as heightened emotional sensitivity and a fear response to novel stimuli. Such children experience greater distress in new environments and often prefer to remain close to their primary caregiver, avoiding contact with strangers or new peers. While shyness is widespread, researchers make an important point of distinguishing between typical caution and more extreme forms of social withdrawal, which might mark the beginning of anxiety-related challenges in later childhood.
Shyness in toddlers is a development influenced by a combination of genetic factors, parenting styles, and the child’s social environment. According to Homberg et al., (2024), children with certain genotypes have more inhibitory response and sensitivity to novel circumstances and thus tend to engage in shy behaviors. Nonetheless, genetics is not the total determining factor because what eventually happens to a child is a matter of parenting too. Overprotective or anxious parenting is where parents are overly protective of their children from new experiences or interactions. It can enforce the feeling of fear and insecurity. In contrast, parents who guide their children gently to make them interact with others and explore new environments can reduce the intensity of shyness. Moreover, cultural differences influence the perception and management of shyness. For instance, in collectivist cultures, where group harmony and emotional restraint are valued, shyness may be seen as a desirable trait, whereas in more individualistic societies, where assertiveness is prioritized, shy children may feel social pressure to overcome their fears.
While shyness is often a normal phase of early childhood, persistent or extreme shyness can affect a child’s ability to develop social skills and form healthy relationships. Maia et al., 2024 explored parent-child interaction therapy as an intervention to reduce shyness in toddlers. It was seen that with such intervention when parents were trained to encourage children’s social engagement through positive reinforcement and gradual exposure to new experiences, children revealed improvements in their social confidence. This intervention gradually allows children to get used to social interaction, hence lessening their withdrawal behaviors. It means that the toddlers require supportive environments that would progressively let them practice social skills without getting them overwhelmed. In cases where a child’s shyness grows into even greater anxiety or starts interfering with daily functioning, professional help from a child development specialist or therapist may be sought for the child as further guidance and support in emotional wellness.
Positive Technology
Positive technology refers to the use of digital tools and innovations in ways that promote mental well-being, personal growth, and social connection (Haddock et al., 2022). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on how technology can be harnessed to improve people’s lives, both emotionally and psychologically. One example is the development of mental health apps, such as Headspace or Calm, which offer guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, and stress-relief techniques. These apps, therefore, give users tools to take care of anxiety, ensure better sleep, and build emotional resilience. Mental health resources are now more accessible and convenient. Technology also played a significant role in social connection, especially during these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype allowed people to hold on to relationships, collaborate with others on projects, or even attend virtual support groups to reduce feelings of isolation. Positive technology also encompasses those applications that promote learning and the development of skills through online courses and educational games, which enhance creativity, cognitive development, and self-improvement.
Finally, positive technology can be identified in the development of wearable devices, which monitor physical health and encourage healthier lifestyle choices (Natalucci et al., 2023). With the use of a fitness tracker, such as Fitbit or Apple Watch, the user gets live data on physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, motivating them to make better lifestyle choices. The devices track progress toward fitness goals and remind the user to stay active, thereby building accountability and wellness. Another example is the utilization of technology in therapy and self-improvement, for instance, virtual therapy sessions or AI-driven personal coaching apps. These innovations will make it easier for the individual to access professional help and support at their own pace, making mental health care more inclusive and less stigmatized. Overall, positive technology puts more stress on using new digital tools not only for fun and productivity but also as a means for enhancing personal health, promoting well-being, and meaningful relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, positive technology transforms the way mental health, personal growth, and social well-being can be improved using digital tools to support emotional resilience, connectivity, and growth (Ahluwalia & Balhara, 2024). It ranges from apps for mental health and wearable fitness tracking to virtual therapy platforms; technology has a lot to offer in the way of meaningful improvements in our lives, making the resources available for well-being accessible and individually tailored. However, although much technology tends to be criticized in regards to causing addiction or making a generation of people who lack close human relationships, on a positive note, some great applications that highlight positive uses of the technologies being developed are such as; embracing innovations which facilitate a healthy, positive living mindfully.
References
Ahluwalia, Y., & Balhara, Y. P. S. (2024). Ensuring mental well-being in the digital world: challenges and approaches. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 4(01), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.54169/ijocp.v4i01.112
Halkiopoulos, C., Antonopoulou, H., Gkintoni, E., & Aroutzidis, A. (2022). Neuromarketing as an indicator of cognitive consumer behavior in the decision-making process of tourism destination—an overview. Transcending Borders in Tourism through Innovation and Cultural Heritage, 679–697. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-92491-1_41
Haddock, A., Ward, N., & Yu, R. (2022). Positive effects of digital technology use by adolescents: A scoping review of the literature. ProQuest, 19(21), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114009
