Research Methods A2 L5 - 8 (science, theories, reports) Flashcards
Science:
Systematic and controlled approach to creating knowledge that we can rely on to predict and control the world
Give 3 factors that determine whether psychology is a science:
- Sample is large and representative
- Key words are operationalised
- Confounding variables have been identified and accounted for
Empirical method:
- A method of gaining knowledge, which relies on direct observation/testing
- Can help separate unfounded beliefs from real truth
Paradigm:
Shared set of assumptions and agreed methods that are found within scientific disciplines
What did Kuhn (1962) say about paradigms and paradigm shifts?
- Paradigms are what distinguishes scientific and non-scientific disciplines eg pre-sciences v natural sciences
- Paradigm shift is when the results of a scientific revolution occurs
What are the 2 stages of paradigm shifts?
1) A theory remains dominant in a scientific discipline. Some researchers question this. Counter evidence accumulates and gains popularity. Present paradigm is overthrown
2) An established science makes rapid progress and a scientific revolution occurs
Give one example of a paradigm shift:
- Copernicus in 16th century
- People thought Earth was at centre of universe but he found that sun was at centre
- This is a paradigm shift
Objectivity:
- Approaching facts in a way that is unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings or expectations
- The basis of the empirical method
Replicability:
Extent to which findings of research can be repeated in different contexts and circumstances
4 purposes of replicability:
1) Guards against scientific fraud
2) Researchers can check if the results gained were a ‘one-off’
3) Shows findings are reliable
4) Shows findings are valid
Falsifiability by who:
- Notion that scientific theories can potentially be disproved by evidence
- Popper (1934)
What did Popper (1969) say about scientific theories?
Genuine scientific theories should be tested and can also be proven false
Compare pseudoscience and natural sciences:
- Pseudoscience discipline produce theories that cannot be falsified easily
- Natural sciences also cannot usually be proved false because they are strong
How are theories constructed?
- Via hypothesis testing and re-testing
- Based on results of a range of work
Give 4 stages of deductive reasoning:
1) Propose a theory
2) Develop a hypothesis
3) Test this theory
4) Draw conclusions
Give 5 stages of inductive reasoning:
1) Observe facts in an environment
2) Develop a hypothesis
3) Test hypothesis
4) Draw conclusions
5) Devise a theory based on this info
Who devised the Hypothetico-deductive model and what does it suggest?
- Popper (1935)
- Theory should come first, then a hypothesis should be generated
2 general points about writing a psychological report:
1) Write report in 3rd person
2) Report should be clear
Stages of writing a psychological report:
1) Title
2) Abstract
3) Intro leading to hypothesis
4) Method
5) Results
6) Discussion
7) References
What 2 things should the title consist of?
- Clear focus
- Key variables you’re investigating
What is an abstract and what does it consist of?
- 150/200 words
- Written once whole report is completed
- Summary of main concepts
- Includes background literature, hypothesis, research and sampling methods, conclusion
What 4 features does the method section consist of?
1) Design –> experimental design and why, variables, ethical issues
2) Sample –> sampling methods and why
3) Apparatus
4) Procedure
What 4 things are included in the results section?
- Descriptive stats
- Inferential stats
- Categories and themes explained
- Whether experimental/null hypothesis has been rejected
What 4 features are involved in the discussion section?
1) Summary of results
2) Relationship to background research
3) Limitations of methodology and modifications
4) Implications and suggestions (what research tells you about real life situations)
