There are two main groups that all these methods will fall into. These are known as experimental methods and non-experimental methods, and each group has sub-methods by which psychologists can carry out their research.

Non-experimental methods do not involve deliberately making changes to something to then study the effects that have resulted. In other words, there is no manipulation of an independent variable. The investigator studies something that would have been altered even if no study were being conducted, observes naturally occurring behaviour and asks questions to willing participants.

In contrast, experimental methods do involve the manipulation of an independent variable. In studies

All psychological approaches attempt to use certain basic criteria as a base for their research. As a scientific discipline, it is essential that psychology adopts scientific principles and methodology to carry out its research. Scientists, and therefore psychologists, should approach their work objectively, not relying on gut feelings or their own beliefs and opinions. Psychologists should make objective observations of the thing they aim to study and then form a testable, objectively observable hypothesis and a method by which to test the hypothesis.

Social influence is a very hard subject to investigate, as there could be so many factors that contribute to a person's tendency to be influenced. This is why it is important when researching this area to eliminate as many confounding and alternative variables as possible. For this reason, I believe the laboratory experiment is the best approach to studying social influence and has shed most light on the subject. Past experiments such as Milgrams study of obedience affect everyday life still; it explains the need for police, teachers and others in authority to dress appropriately and the effect that it will have on their ability to persuade others. Other approaches do have a place in studying social influence; the case study for example is very useful in explaining extreme social influence, however it is the everyday application of the findings of past laboratory experiments which means it is the best research approach.

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