Book Link 11 Why Is Research Important?

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By the end of this section, you will be able to:

1. When we study behavior using science, we do experiments to understand why people act as they do. This helps us discover how our genes, surroundings, and interactions with others affect our behavior.

2. In public policy, scientific research advises the government about what to do. This advice is based on facts and helps the government make better rules and plans for healthcare, schools, and helping people in need.

3. Scientific research is also important for personal decisions. It gives us good information to help us make choices about our health, lifestyle, and careers. This way, we can make smart decisions based on what we know is true.

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How Could This Apply In Real Life?

When addressing questions about behavior in psychological investigations of deviant teens, scientific research may involve studying the underlying causes of deviant behavior, such as genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and social pressures.

For example, research might explore how certain family dynamics or peer interactions contribute to deviant behavior in teenagers or how specific psychological disorders can manifest in deviant behavior.

Additionally, scientific research may investigate the effectiveness of various interventions and treatments for deviant behavior in teens, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, or social skills training. In the context of traditional families, scientific research addressing questions about behavior may focus on understanding the dynamics and interactions within conventional family structures.

For instance, research might examine the impact of parenting styles on child behavior, the influence of cultural or religious beliefs on family dynamics, and the role of communication patterns in shaping behavior within traditional families. Furthermore, scientific investigations may explore how stressors such as financial difficulties or marital conflict can affect behavior within conventional family settings.

Regarding older people, scientific research addressing questions about behavior may involve studying issues such as cognitive decline, mental health, and social interactions. For example, research might investigate the effects of aging on memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation, as well as the prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety in the elderly population.

Last, scientific research may explore the impact of social support networks, caregiving arrangements, and living environments on the behavior and well-being of elderly individuals.

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Public Policy Examples:

1. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) – This policy expanded access to mental health and substance abuse services for young adults by allowing them to stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26. This has had a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of young adults.

 2. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) – This policy reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It included provisions for supporting at-risk students, including those exhibiting deviant behavior. ESSA provides funding for interventions and support services to help improve outcomes for these students.

 3. The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) – This policy aims to prevent juvenile delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system. It includes provisions for addressing the underlying causes of deviant behavior in teens and promoting evidence-based interventions to support positive youth development.

Summary

In real life, scientific psychological research helps us understand why people behave the way they do, such as studying how genetics, environment, and social pressures influence behavior. In this section we explored deviant behavior in teens and how to help them. Scientific research also informs government policies, like the Affordable Care Act, which expanded mental health services for young adults. It also helps create better rules for schools and helps in understanding and preventing juvenile delinquency.