Final answer:
Psychologists create research questions from existing theories, empirical evidence, and new observations about human behavior, guided by scientific practices such as hypothesis testing and case studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychologists come up with research questions based on a variety of sources including existing theories, empirical evidence, and sometimes from issues that arise in the human subconscious that are beyond our control, as suggested by influential figures like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. The research questions may also be inspired by observations of societal changes or behaviors that raise new inquiries about human nature. In the field of psychology, research questions are formulated through a scientific approach, starting from a hypothesis which fits into the context of a broader scientific theory. This theory should be supported by a substantial amount of evidence. Psychologists then proceed to collect data through experiments or observations to test the hypothesis and gather empirical evidence to contribute to the understanding of the mind and behavior.
Research methods such as case studies allow psychologists to observe people and draw conclusions about their behavior. Fields like education, psychology, sociology, and linguistics rely on case studies to understand complex issues. Through the scientific method, psychologists can strive to answer questions about human behavior and cognitive processes, while debunking the myth that psychology lacks a scientific basis due to its behavioral and cognitive focus.