Lesson 1

Question 1

confirmation bias

Answer 1

Look for evidence that supports our own thinking

Question 2

hypothetico-deductive method

Answer 2

Method that describes the process of science in an iterative loop:
Research Question > Empirical study > Data Analysis > Conclusions > Research Literature

Question 3

falsification (by Karl Popper)

Answer 3

To test a theory, need to try and falsify it or look for evidence to disprove it (instead of induction: explanation supported by repeated observations - until black swan problem)

Question 4

scientific theory

Answer 4

need to be able to design an experiment to test its predictions (testable), if predictions are falsified, the theory must be adapted or abandoned (refutable) and the theory must be able to be proven wrong (falsifiable)

Question 5

Research Question

Answer 5

observe an aspect of human behaviour and formulate a research question

Question 6

Hypothesis

Answer 6

pattern of results we would expect -> hypothesis = prediction or proposed explanation for our observation

Question 7

Operationalise

Answer 7

define how we are going to measure the behaviour

Question 8

Theory

Answer 8

explain this observation with a theory = collection or framework of ideas we use to explain an observation

Question 9

Case studies

Answer 9

rare conditions, difficult to generalise

Question 10

Observational studies

Answer 10

natural environment, observe and code participant’s behaviour, bias: participants change their behaviour bcoz being watched

Question 11

Cross-sectional studies

Answer 11

studied at one specific point in time, snapshot in time

Question 12

Longitudinal studies

Answer 12

follow participants over long period of time, comparable over different points in time,

Question 13

Experimental studies

Answer 13

study in tightly controlled environment, manipulate one factor and observe how it changes another factor, identify cause-effect relationships