Ch. 2 - Where to Start

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

-Is a system of logical ideas that are proposed to explain a particular phenomenon and its relationship to other phenomena

Question 2

What 2 important functions do theories serve in science?

Answer 2

1. Theories organize and explain a variety of specific facts or descriptions of behaviour
2. Theories generate new knowledge by focusing our thinking so that we notice new aspects of behaviour

Question 3

Parsimony

Answer 3

-If multiple theories are equally successful at explaining the same phenomenon, parsimony dictates that the LEAST COMPLEX theory is most desirable, because it is easiest to entirely falsify

Question 4

Research articles have 6 major sections…

Answer 4

1. Abstract = summary of the research report
2. Introduction = explains the problem under investigation and the specific hypotheses being tested
3. Method section = describes in detail the exact procedures used in the study
4. Results section = presents the specific findings
5. Discussion section = concludes the articles, in which the researcher may speculate on the broader implications of the results, discuss reasons that a particular hypothesis may not have been supported by the data, and/or make suggestions for further research on the study
6. References section = lists all the sources that were cited throughout the article

Question 5

Research hypothesis

Answer 5

-Is a statement about something that may or may not be true, is informed by past research or derived from a broader theory, and is waiting for evidence to support or refute it

Question 6

Prediction

Answer 6

• A statement that makes an assertion concerning what will occur in a particular research investigation
• When the results of a study are consistent with a prediction, the hypothesis is only SUPPORTED, not proven

Question 7

Hypothesis vs Prediction

Answer 7

Hypothesis:

• Framed as a statement about something that may or may not be true
• Often present tense
• Derived from a broader theory
• ex. “A is larger than B”

Prediction:

• Specific methodological details of the study designed based on the hypothesis
• Often future tense
• More general hypothesis is translated into specific prediction
• ex. “C (a specific measure of A) will be larger than D (a specific measure of B)”