What is the difference between psychological research and sociological research?

I have to come up with a research question for my sociology class and my brain is in knots!! Is this questions - "Do video games have a detrimental effect on children's educational development?" a suitable sociological question? Or is it psychological as it refers to learning and child development? If it is not sociological, how would I term a question about the effects of video games on education in sociological terms?What is the difference between psychological research and sociological research?
Hi Mindstep,

Your question is probably best thought of as social psychological. Notice the independent variable [video games] is an emerging aspect of western culture. Kids are playing video games a lot in recent years. Notice that the dependent variable [children's educational development] focuses on individual cognitive development... a psychological concern. BTW, recent research suggests that video games don't seem to have a negative effect on the cognitive development of children and may actually have some positive results. To refocus on a more sociological level you might investigate how the current educational system is incorporating interactive computer technology into instruction. Regards.What is the difference between psychological research and sociological research?
Another thought, why not just use a research statement ie. Video games have a detrimental effect on educational achievement. Then argue the pro's and con's and in your conclusion you can either conclude by agreeing or not depending on your arguments.



You are right when you say your research question is more psychological... as Osiris says just change the wording a bit. Good luck with your research!What is the difference between psychological research and sociological research?
Either way it should be neutrally termed. I.e. 'In what ways do video games affect a child's learning and development?' or 'Do video games affect a childs educational development?'. Try not to use terms with negative or positive connotations. Even if your results do turn out negative (and you are sure they will) as a researcher you have to be judgment-free.



The title isn't important in determining what subject it is. The important thing would be how the research is undertaken and what theories you use.



If you really want to make it sound more sociological, you could use some terms that relate to what you are studying. For example, using the term socialization or putting in your title question a theoretical perspective that you might use e.g. 'From a Functionalist perspective do video games...' etc.
The difference is that psychology is the study of a person, sociology is the study of people, groups. Your question is suitable for sociology as it references children and not a child.