Which of the following is NOT one of the four major research methods in psychology?

Historical analysis is not considered one of the four major research methods in psychology. The primary methods used to conduct psychological research typically include experiments, surveys, observational studies, and correlational studies. Each of these methods serves a distinct purpose in understanding behavior and mental processes.

Surveys allow researchers to gather data from a large group of people about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which can provide a broad understanding of trends and preferences within a population. Correlational studies explore the relationship between two or more variables, identifying patterns and predicting outcomes without implying causation. Observational studies involve directly observing subjects in their natural environment, providing insight into behavior in real-world contexts.

In contrast, historical analysis is more common in fields such as history or sociology, where researchers examine past events, trends, or archives to build an understanding of historical contexts. While historical perspectives can contribute to psychological theory and understanding, they do not operate as a primary method for conducting empirical research in contemporary psychology.