3 Science & Research Methods Flashcards
What is the difference between a theory and a scientific theory?
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation. Theories are not mere “hunches” or blind guesses.
Why are scientific theories critical for efficiently generating knowledge?
Quote from Charles Darwin - “[Y]ears ago there was much talk that geologists ought only to observe and not theorize; and I well remember someone saying that at this rate a man might as well go into a gravel pit and count the pebbles and describe the colors. How odd it is that anyone should not see that all observation must be for or against some view [i.e., a theory] if it is to be of any service!”
Since scientific theories have been supported by evidence, the best way we can efficiently gain knowledge is to continually test and refine such theories. As technology improves, we can test our theories in new ways. When new knowledge comes about, you must always integrate it with what is already known (scientific theories) to move forward efficiently.
Why are common sense & intuition not enough to understand our social world?
Quote from Duncan Watts - “Everyone has experience being human, and so the vast majority of findings in social science coincide with something that we have either experienced or can imagine experiencing.”
We are all amateur sociologists and psychologists. Our intuition and common sense work well to help us navigate our lives. This can blind us from the fact that all of our experiences are extremely limited and thus are not a substitute for scientific theory when it comes to understanding human behavior.
For a claim to be scientific, what two criteria must the claim meet?
Testable/falsifiable - it must be possible for our claim to be wrong; Repeatable - A claim must be capable of being repeatedly tested to be scientific
Explain how science “self-corrects” for problematic findings.
Scientists are in the business of repeatedly testing and re-testing claims. Only claims continuously supported by evidence are maintained. Fraudulent or mistaken claims are easy to identify and throw out.
What characteristics do good theories have?
Logically sound (no contradictions) and clear;
Abstract (apply across time periods and locations); General (apply to numerous, repeated observations); Precise (not vague);
Parsimonious (only as complex as is necessary) “Occam’s Razor”;
Well-supported with evidence
Define cognitive dissonance.
Cognitive dissonance is a mental conflict when your beliefs don’t align with your actions. It’s an uncomfortable state of mind when someone has contradictory values, attitudes, or perspectives about the same thing
How can cognitive dissonance be problematic in the world of science?
Suppose scientists are evaluating evidence that relates to ideas/theories that they developed. In that case, it may be difficult for them to determine whether or not such ideas/theories have been supported properly.
What is the “file drawer effect?”
Repeatedly testing a claim until the evidence supports it and only reporting the supporting evidence to the public
Do we always throw out the theory if we find results that disconfirm a theory?
Not necessarily. It may be possible that we didn’t test the theory properly. If scientists are not careful, this may not occur until late in the research process.
Which research method is the best at examining cause and effect?
Experiments; random assignment allows experiments to control for variables they don’t even know they need to control for
Which research method is most commonly used by sociologists?
Surveys - easiest to administer
What are the advantages and disadvantages of experiements?
Advantages - control for extraneous variables with random assignment; best tool for examining cause and effect;
Disadvantages - artificial settings differ significantly from the real world; outcomes may not be generalizable to the broader population
What are the advantages and disadvantages of survey research?
Advantages - easy to administer, easy to replicate, very amenable to statistical analysis;
Disadvantages - self-presentation biases (how honest are the responses?)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of ethnographic research?
Advantages - observe real life unfold, develop a rich understanding of a particular context;
Disadvantages - time-consuming; how repeatable are one ethnographer’s observations?
