Scientific Reasoning

Question 1

evidence-based treatment

Answer 1

A psychotherapy technique whose effectiveness has been supported by empirical research.

Question 2

empiricism

Answer 2

The use of verifiable evidence as the basis for conclusions; collecting data systematically and using it to develop, support, or challenge a theory. Also called empirical method, empirical research.

Question 3

theory

Answer 3

A statement or set of statements that describes general principles about how variables relate to one another.

Question 4

hypothesis

Answer 4

A statement of the specific result the researcher expects to observe from a particular study, if the theory is accurate. Also called prediction.

Question 5

data (plural; singular datum)

Answer 5

A set of observations representing the values of some variable, collected from one or more research studies.

Question 6

preregistered

Answer 6

A term referring to a study in which, before collecting any data, the researcher has stated publicly what the study’s outcome is expected to be.

Question 7

replication

Answer 7

The process of conducting a study again to test whether the result is consistent.

Question 8

weight of the evidence

Answer 8

A conclusion drawn from reviewing scientific literature and considering the proportion of studies that is consistent with a theory.

Question 9

self-correcting

Answer 9

A process in which scientists make their research available for peer review, replication, and critique, with the goal of identifying and correcting errors in the research.

Question 10

applied research

Answer 10

Research whose goal is to find a solution to a particular real-world problem. See also basic research, translational research.

Question 11

basic research

Answer 11

Research whose goal is to enhance the general body of knowledge, without regard for direct application to practical problems. See also applied research, translational research.

Question 12

translational research

Answer 12

Research that uses knowledge derived from basic research to develop and test solutions to real-world problems. See also applied research, basic research.

Question 13

journal

Answer 13

A monthly or quarterly periodical containing peer-reviewed articles on a specific academic discipline or subdiscipline, written for a scholarly audience. Also called scientific journal.

Question 14

journalism

Answer 14

News and commentary published or broadcast in the popular media and produced for a general audience.

Question 15

falsifiable

Answer 15

A feature of a scientific theory, in which it is possible to collect data that will indicate that the theory is wrong.

Question 16

universalism

Answer 16

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientific claims are evaluated according to their merit, independent of the researcher’s credentials or reputation. The same preestablished criteria apply to all scientists and all research. See also communality, disinterestedness, organized skepticism.

Question 17

communality

Answer 17

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientific knowledge is created by a community, and its findings belong to the community. See also universalism, disinterestedness, organized skepticism.

Question 18

disinterestedness

Answer 18

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientists strive to discover the truth whatever it is; they are not swayed by conviction, idealism, politics, or profit. See also universalism, communality, organized skepticism.

Question 19

organized skepticism

Answer 19

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientists question everything, including their own theories, widely accepted ideas, and “ancient wisdom.” See also universalism, communality, disinterestedness.