Nature of Science

Question 1

Science

Answer 1

pursuit of objective knowledge obtained from observation

Question 2

Science

• term refers to? (2)

Answer 2

1) Goal - involves search for relationships among variables

2) Method - systematically acquiring & evaluating

Question 3

Scientific Process is..?

steps (4)

Answer 3

Systematic

1. Developing problem
2. Formulating hypothesis
3. Gathering data
4. Analyzing & interpreting results

Question 4

How do theories become integral part of research process?

Answer 4

Theories used to develop research Q’s

Research helps develop theory, which can be used in practical setting (applied research)

Question 5

Applied Research

• answers..?
• subjects?
• settings?
• disadvantage?
• results?

Answer 5

• answers immediate problem
• human subjects
• real-world settings
• lacks control
• results directly useful

Question 6

Basic Research

• deals with?
• subjects?
• setting?
• advantage?
• disadvantage?

(5)

Answer 6

• deals with theoretical issues
• not necessarily human subjects
• laboratories
• carefully controlled
• results lack application

Question 7

Uses of Scientific Knowledge (4)

Answer 7

1) Description
2) Prediction & Explanation
3) Sense of Understanding
4) Control

Question 8

1) Description
* (2) approaches to ___

Answer 8

2 approaches to classification

1. Typology
2. Taxonomy

Question 9

Typology

Answer 9

Dimensions represent concepts rather than empirical cases

• Based on notion of ideal type, (mental construct that deliberately accentuates certain characteristics)
• Mutually exclusive & exhaustive
• Internal homogeneity & external heterogeneity

Question 10

Taxonomy

Answer 10

Classify items on basis of empirically observable & measurable characteristics

- Darwin

Question 11

2) Prediction & Explanation

Answer 11

Statements of relationships are a basis for logical deduction

• used to make predictions about future

Question 12

3) Sense of Understanding

Answer 12

Identifying Causal mechanisms

Probabilistic Causation (↑ probability of B if A occurs)

Question 13

4) Control

Answer 13

knowledge used to control events

Question 14

Theory

Answer 14

• *System of Ideas** that:
• contains hypotheses about how concept are related
• specifies links between concepts & observable behaviors, measurable thoughts, physiology etc.

Question 15

A Theory works if it… (6)

• explains
• helps/aids in (5)

Answer 15

• Explains behavior
• helps predict future behavior
• Helps plan research
• Helps measure concepts
• Aids in practical planning
  
  • Transtheoretical model
• Aids in evaluation of success/failure

Question 16

A Theory is practical for health-related interventions if it… (6)

• focus?
• describes?
• has..? (4)

Answer 16

• Focuses on processes susceptible to social change
• Adequately describes relationship b/w key sets of variables so they can be targets of change
• Has associated set of assessments to accurately measure change
• Has substantive research base
• Has clear conceptual to operational definitions
• Has basis for detecting why intervention failed to produce change

Question 17

Approaches to Theory Testing

(Issues to be aware of?)

Answer 17

1) Theory Comparison
2) Theory Compatibility
3) Parsimony

Question 18

1) Theory Comparison

Answer 18

each has pros/cons

• discard model/theory that is less accurate/influential

Question 19

2) Theory Compatibility

Answer 19

• some theories may be complementary/have overlap
• compared on similarities & potentially merged together

Question 20

3) Parsimony

Answer 20

testable theories cant measure everything

adoption of simplest assumption