chapter 1 Flashcards
(13 cards)
empiricism
using evidence from the sensor form instruments that assist the senses as the basis for conclusion. psychology is grounded in this philosophy
Theory data cycle
scientist collect data to test, change, or update their theories
social comparison theory
- people want to evaluate themselves
2. W/o objective measures we compare to others
theory
general statement of how variables relate to each other
leads the researcher to pose particular research questions
at the top of any research design
hypothesis
PREDICTION of what you will observe if the theory is accurate
Good theories
supported by research data
falsifiable
parsimonious
falsifiable
theory must lead to hypotheses that when tested could actually fail to support the theory
never prove a theory correct
parsimonious
all things being equal, the simplest solution is the best
simpler is always better
variables
vary between people
ex- self evaluation varies
applied research
researcher hopes their findings will be directly applied to the solution of that problem. might be looking for better ways to identify those who are likely to do well at a particular job
ex- if a school district’s new method of teaching mathematics is working better than the former one
basic research
not intended to address a specific problem; the goal is to enhance the general body of knowledge
ex- might want to understand the structure of visual system
translation research
use of lessons from basic research to develop & test applications to health care, psychotherapy, or other forms of treatment & intervention. represents a dynamic bridge from basic to applied research
making sure that a scientific findings are falsifiable is an important aspect of
developing a hypothesis
developing a theory
publishing research findings
