NCERT Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology: Chapter 2 — Methods of Enquiry in Psychology
This chapter, "Methods of Enquiry in Psychology," from the NCERT Class 11 textbook, introduces the scientific approach to studying behaviour and mental processes. It outlines the four primary goals of psychological enquiry: description, prediction, explanation, and control, along with the application of generated knowledge. The chapter details the steps involved in scientific research, the nature of psychological data (quantitative and qualitative), and various research methods like observation, experimentation, correlational research, survey, psychological testing, and case studies. It also touches upon data analysis techniques and the crucial ethical considerations and limitations inherent in psychological research. Understanding these methods is vital for students to grasp how psychologists gather and interpret information objectively, contributing to the scientific foundation of psychology and CBSE learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| Book | Introduction to Psychology |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Methods of Enquiry in Psychology |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 725 |
Learning outcomes
- Explain the goals and nature of psychological enquiry.
- Understand different types of data used by psychologists.
- Describe important methods of psychological enquiry.
- Understand the methods of analysing data.
- Learn about the limitations of psychological enquiry and ethical considerations.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Psychological Enquiry | The scientific process of studying behaviour, mental processes, and experiences. |
| Description | Accurately detailing a behaviour or phenomenon to distinguish it from others. |
| Prediction | Forecasting the occurrence of a behaviour under certain conditions based on identified relationships. |
| Explanation | Identifying the causal factors or determinants that cause a behaviour to occur. |
| Control | Influencing behaviour to occur when and how we desire, and perhaps to enhance its quality and welfare. |
| Application | Using the knowledge generated from psychological research to solve problems and improve well-being. |
| Scientific Research | A systematic and objective investigation to discover, describe, and explain phenomena. |
| Data | Information collected in psychological studies, which can be quantitative or qualitative. |
| Observation | A method of systematically watching and recording behaviour. |
| Experiment | A research method where variables are manipulated to establish cause-and-effect relationships. |
| Correlational Research | A method to study the relationship between two or more variables. |
| Survey | A method to collect data from a sample of people using questionnaires or interviews. |
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Practice questions
- What are the four main goals of psychological enquiry? Answer: The four main goals are description, prediction, explanation, and control of behaviour, along with the application of knowledge.
- How does description help in psychological studies? Answer: Description helps in accurately detailing a behaviour or phenomenon, distinguishing it from other behaviours, and aiding in its proper understanding.
- What is the meaning of prediction in the context of psychological enquiry? Answer: Prediction means forecasting that under certain conditions, a particular behaviour may occur, based on understanding its relationship with other events.
- What is the primary interest of psychologists when seeking to explain behaviour? Answer: Psychologists are interested in knowing the causal factors or determinants of behaviour and the conditions under which it does or does not occur.
- Why is it important for psychology to be a scientific endeavour? Answer: Psychology is a scientific endeavour because psychologists rely on formal, systematic observations and established methodologies to address their questions about behaviour and mental processes.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT a goal of psychological enquiry?
Explanation: The primary goals of psychological enquiry are description, prediction, explanation, and control, along with application. Manipulation is a technique used within some methods, not a goal itself.
Q2. If a researcher studies the relationship between study time and academic achievement, they are primarily aiming for which goal?
Explanation: Establishing a relationship between variables allows for forecasting future outcomes, which is the goal of prediction.
Q3. Understanding the 'why' behind a behaviour relates to which goal of psychological enquiry?
Explanation: Explanation focuses on identifying the causal factors or determinants that make a behaviour occur.
Q4. What makes psychology a scientific endeavour?
Explanation: Psychology is considered a scientific endeavour because psychologists use formal, systematic observations and established methodologies to study behaviour and mental processes.
Q5. Which of the following is mentioned as a method of psychological enquiry?
Explanation: Psychological Testing is listed as one of the frequently used research methods in psychology, alongside observation, experimental, correlational research, survey, and case study.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of psychological enquiry?
The main purpose is to systematically study behaviour, mental processes, and experiences to describe, predict, explain, control, and apply this knowledge.
What are the four primary goals of psychological enquiry?
The four primary goals are description, prediction, explanation, and control of behaviour, along with the application of the knowledge gained.
How does psychologists use description in their research?
Psychologists use description to accurately record and detail a behaviour or phenomenon, helping to distinguish it from others and understand it properly.
What does prediction in psychology involve?
Prediction involves forecasting the likelihood of a behaviour occurring under specific conditions, based on established relationships between variables.
What is the role of explanation in psychological enquiry?
Explanation aims to identify the underlying causes or factors that lead to a particular behaviour or mental process.
Why is control considered a goal in psychology?
Control is a goal to influence behaviour to occur when and how desired, potentially to enhance its quality and promote well-being.
What are some common methods used in psychological enquiry?
Common methods include observation, experimental research, correlational research, surveys, psychological testing, and case studies.
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NCERT Class 11 Psychology — Introduction to Psychology — Chapter 2 — Methods of Enquiry in Psychology. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.