Around a year ago I became very interested in psychology and started studying it (I did an A level although I started studying 3 months before the exams). I've often thought that I should do some practical research or at least make observations and take some notes but I'm not really sure where to start.

I could just carry a notebook around with me everywhere I go and take it out whenever I make some sort of observation but I want to do something more scientific too. (I am planning on studying psychology at university and going on to work in academia but I still want to do something now).

Any ideas or advice would be appreciated.

Firstly, my condolences. Psychology A Level is basically the worst thing about studying psychology, since it sucks. It's great at uni though.

Anyhow, there are three main directions you can go with doing "scientific observation" that I would recommend, aside from just taking notes whenever you see something interesting.

Firstly, and most simply, go in a direction that you have a particular interest in. As an example, fashion was somewhat a hobby of mine, so I made a mini-project on how people see others based on the way they are dressed. I got a bunch of volunteers and we went around cafes, restaurants, bars, shops etc. dressed in varying styles. It's not exactly an original idea, but I wanted to try it out for myself.

Second option would be to do an observation based on your past curriculum topics. I am unsure what you covered in A level, but if there's anything there that could be made into a project, it's a good way of putting what you learnt into practise.

Lastly, make a project based on the curriculum of the course at university. Most universities give a brief overview of the curriculum for each course, so you might be able to gleem a topic from there. Some of them have a "Research" section which clearly outlines their themes.

Now, as for how to make all this "more scientific" then the best way is to make it a proper research paper. I can explain how to make one here but you could just as well google it if you don't know how.


Whatever direction you take, if you find psychology interesting, it'll be a fun project for yourself. Past that, if you end up making the research paper, it will look damn good when applying to university. I did not even do Psychology at A level and still got an offer (though that wasn't the only reason).

Hope this was somewhat useful.

>>2 Thank you. I didn't expect such a fast and useful response. All of your suggestions are great - I'll definitely try each one. I studied A level psychology last year and got a B since I only started studying 3-4 months before the exam. I did quite enjoy it but that may have been because I didn't have any teachers or classes. I'm doing philosophy and maths now and retaking psychology this year.

>>3 Glad you found it useful :)
For me psychology was always a hobby rather than a career choice, so I was discouraged when I saw the curriculum of it for A level, but honestly I'm the type that is very active with their hobbies so not taking the subject worked out well for me.

Anyhow, you really picked some interesting subjects there, and difficult too. You are probably much smarter than me if you're doing well in them :D

If you want to talk some more about psychology (or other stuff for that matter, I've got plenty of free time) feel free to let me know, either here or by email; misterolive.dollars@protonmail.com

Have fun and good luck~