Chapter 2: Psychology as a Science Flashcards
Deductive Reasoning
Reasoning that proceeds from broad basic principles applied to specific situations
“top-down”
Inductive Reasoning
Reasoning process that proceeds from small specific situations to more general truths
“bottom up”
Sir Francis Bacon
First to question deductive reasoning and believed it was easily influenced by thinker’s biases
Believed indicative reasoning should be used to avoid bias
Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning
Process where scientist begins with educated guess (hypothesis) then set about designing experiments to support or invalidate that hypothesis
Scientific Method
- Make observations and identify questions
- Develop testable hypothesis
- Select research method
- Analyze the data and accept/reject hypothesis
- Seek scientific review, publish, and replicate experiment
- Build a theory
Use hypothesis to test theory
Pseudopsychology
Takes appearance of science but bot based on the scientific method
Independent Variable
Condition that is thought to be the factor causing change
Dependent Variable
Condition that you expect to change as a result of variation in IV
Operationalize
To develop precise definitions of variables in order to test it
Random Selection
Choosing sample in a way that everyone has a chance to be involved.
Minimize sampling biases
Descriptive Research Method
Allows researchers to describe a relationship that exists between variables of interest
ex. case study, naturalistic observation, surveys
Case Studies
In-depth examination on one case
Con:
- Greatly affected by researcher bias
- Cannot generalize results
Naturalistic Observation
Where researchers directly observe people behave as they normally do
Con:
- Subject to researcher bias
- Presence of camera or researcher may alter participant’s behavior
Survey
Where researchers ask participants questions. This allows them to gather lots of data
Con:
- People tend to give socially acceptable answers (participant bias)
- Does not show causation
Experiment
Controlled observation where researcher manipulate the IV to see its effect on DV
