Exam 1: Psychology as Science

Question 1

why is psychology a science?

Answer 1

We base our conclusions on systematic
observation (research)

Question 2

what does “empirical” or “empiricism” mean?

Answer 2

to observe, to gather information through observation

Question 3

scientific cycles

theory-data cycle

Answer 3

1. theory is developed based in prior related research
2. scientists make predictions
3. data are collected
4. based on what the data tell them, they accept or change their original theory

Question 4

theory

Answer 4

Statement(s) that describe general principles about how variables
relate to each other

Question 5

hypothesis

Answer 5

A way of stating the specific outcome expected if their theory is accurate/supported

Question 6

data (datum)

Answer 6

observations of a specific phenomenon

can be either quanitative (with numbers) or qualitative (in words)

Question 7

is it possible to prove a theory to be fact?

Answer 7

NO

there is always error in science

the scientific method helps us determine the likelihood of our hypotheses being false.

This DOES NOT prove something to be true

Question 8

3 parts of a great theory

Answer 8

1. falsifiable - a theory can be tested and shown to not be supported (note, it’s impossible to prove they are true, but only to show whether the likelihood that they are true of false)
2. supported by data - observations help us decide if we should reject or shouldn’t reject our hypotheses
3. parsimonious - good theory is conservative in what it estimates

Question 9

scientific cycles

the basic-applied research cycle

Answer 9

basic and applied science overlap and support one another

you can’t have one without the other

Question 10

basic science

Answer 10

builds the general body of knowledge on a topic

Question 10

applied science

Answer 10

developed with a specific problem in mind

Question 11

scientific cycles

the peer-review cycle

Answer 11

the process of scientific findings being reviewed by other scientists and published in journals for consumption by non-academic audiences

Question 11

scientific cycles

the journalism-journalist cycle

Answer 11

journalists report about science, but aren’t scientists themselves

use caution when reading journalism on science!

Question 12

Belmont Report Principles

Answer 12

Beneficence
Justice
Respect for persons

Question 13

animal research principles

Answer 13

refinement: refine tests to cause as little stress as possible
reduction: reduce the number of animals use
replacement: replace animal studies with other methods where possible

Question 14

what makes a good theory?

Answer 14

parsimonious: use as few resources as possible
falsifiable: can be proven to be likely false through observation
supported by data: data are interpreted to either support or fail to support a hypothesis