Chapter 1: Psychology as a Science Flashcards
What are the sources of knowledge that scientists rely on?
Rationalism and Empiricism
What is empericism?
The practice of relying on observation to draw conclusions
What is rationalism?
Involves logical reasoning; can have logically sound argument, but false premises
What is inductive reasoning?
Specific to general
What is deductive reasoning?
General to specific
What is a variable?
An event or behavior that has at least two values
What is systematic empiricism?
Test hypothesis and develop or refute a theory; more reliable and valid conclusions than from observation alone
What is an empirically solvable problem?
Research problems that are potentially solvable with currently available techniques/is falsifiable
What is publicly verifiable knowledge?
Research shared with the public so it can be known, replicated, and critiqued
What is basic research?
Research designed to seek knowledge; designed to test hypothesis/theory. Typically two-tailed. More stringent hypothesis test.
What is applied research?
describing evidence to find solutions/attempts to find practical solutions to existing problems
What is descriptive research?
Requires just one variable; the variable is measured not manipulated/only description not predicition or explanation
What is predictive research?
Requires two variables; variables are measured not manipulated/only description or predication not explanation
What is explanatory research
Requires at least two variables; the variables are measured and manipulated/can be used for description, prediction, and explanation
Can you prove a theory to be true?
You cannot prove a theory to be true, but you can prove it to be false/you can find evidence that supports
