Back to the phenomena: Theory, methods, and statistics in psychological research

Abstract

In this paper the role of four interdependent elements of the research process is discussed: namely the phenomena with which the problem under consideration is concerned (i.e. individual thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions), theories, methods for the collection of the data, and statistical procedures for data analysis. It is stated that the appropriate use of theory, method, and statistics must be based on systematic analyses and descriptions of the phenomena per se.