science + psych in the economy Flashcards
(12 cards)
science features:
L -
E -
O -
R -
TC -
HT -
F -
paradigm shifts -
L - lab-based
E - empirical
O - objective
R - replicable
TC - theory construction
HT - hypothesis testing
F - Falsifiability
Paradigm shifts - a change in the accepted view of behaviour
lab-based
- Science prefers LAB studies:
- Lab studies enable us to control confounding and extraneous variables so we can make sure that the IV is the only thing affecting the DV.
- This means that lab studies have high internal validity- they usually really do measure what they claim to measure
empirical
- Science is Empirical:
- information is gained through direct observation or experiment (rather than unfounded beliefs)
- Empirical research is based on gathering FACTS through direct testing
objective
- Science is OBJECTIVE
- Observations and experiments should be unaffected by bias (such as researcher expectations).
- Ideally research should be conducted in a lab so that variables can be controlled and we can objectively measure the effect of the IV on the DV
Involves systematic collection of measurable data
replicable
- Science is REPLICABLE
- It is important that research can be repeated and similar results obtained, this adds to the reliability of the study
- Lab studies are highly replicable
- replicability involves being able to repeat the study and achieve the same results again - demonstrating consistency in findings/data
- if findings are only achieved once we do not trust them. in order to be sure we have found a true theory we need to see a pattern of data
theory construction
- Theories must be generated at the end of the research process
- There must be a trail of evidence to support a theory
HYPOTHESIS TESTING
- This is essential in validating theories.
- Hypotheses should generate TESTABLE EXPECTATIONS
- These come in the form of directional, non-directional or null hypotheses
science vs non science
science
- Empirical
- Collection of data is systematic and controlled
- Unbiased
- Objective
- Hypothesis tested
non science
- Intuition
- Collection of data is random and uncontrolled
- Biased
- Subjective
- Hypothesis not tested
Hypothetico-deductive method - (falsification)
- proposed by Karl Popper (1935), suggesting that theories/laws about the world should come first and these should be used to generate expectations/hypotheses which can be falsified.
- Falsification is the only way to be certain
- This is why we ALWAYS have a NULL hypothesis when carrying out research
- The scientific method means always being prepared to accept that you have found NOTHING.
paradigm + paradigm shift
- A shared set of assumptions about the subject matter of discipline and the methods used to study it.
- A paradigm is a shared set of assumptions about the world.
- E.g. psychodynamic approach, biological approach
- If contradictory evidence about a theory questions a paradigm, the evidence will build up until eventually there is a scientific revolution
- a paradigm shift occurs when evidence builds against an existing paradigm and for a new paradigm
new paradigm approach
- Tries to understand the subjective world of the participant
- Studies complex qualitative data that cannot be reduced easily to numbers
- Interviews, diaries, blogs, open ended questionnaires
- Focuses on the underlying meaning, values and emotions of Pps
- Attempts to understand the individual/cultural world of the pps
- Pps regarded as active collaborators as opposed to passive participants obeying instructions
- Is there a paradigm shift towards this approach?
- Content analysis has become more popular
- Necessity for both. TRIANGULATION.
psychology in the economy
relates to how psychological research impacts the economy → NHS, workforce, government
