There are 47 divisions of APA, each reflecting a special skill or interest area. Developmental psychologists study changes in behavior across the life span. The cognitive approach looks at conscious thought processes, language, memory, perception, problem-solving, and other mental processes. Research interests can be either applied or basic. Basic research is done for the purpose of generating knowledge and may not have immediate application.
Applied research is done to solve immediate, practical problems.
Scientific Research Scientific Method- tests the truth of an observation by careful measurement and controlled observation. Defining a problem 3. Proposing a hypothesis 4. Theory building hypothesis is a tentative explanation of an event or observation. Hypotheses are clearly stated and testable.