Chap 1 Flashcards
What does interrogating information mean?
When a consumer asks questions, determines the answers, and evaluates a study on the basis of those answers.
What are the four scientific cycles?
1) give-and-take between theory and data: scientists test theories through research and, in turn, adapt their theories based on the data that result from that research
2) give-and-take between applied research, which directly targets real-world problems, and basic research, which is intended to contribute to the general body of knowledge
3) psychologists write up the results of their research for other scientists, submit them to journals for review, and respond to the opinions of other scientists.
4) the findings of psychological research are sometimes reported in the popular media, while scientist might be inspired by current events to begin a new line of research.
Why do scientists use the four scientific cycles?
To refine their ideas and creat new studies. It moves science forward.
Define theory-data cycle
(Most important cycle in science) scientists collect data to test, change, or update their theories.
Test ideas/hunches of your own by asking specific questions that are grounded in theory, making predictions, and reflecting on data.
Ex: broken cell phone
Define the cupboard theory
(Mother-infant attachment) a mother is valuable to a baby mammal because she is a source of food.
Mother nursing baby=Food=pleasure (reduced hunger)= overtime associating the sight of the mother with pleasure.
Define contact comfort theory
Hunger has little to do with why baby monkeys like to cling to the warm fuzzy fur of its mother.
Instead babies are attached to their mothers because of the comfort of cozy touch.
Define theory
A statement, or a set of statements, that describes general principles about how variables relate to one another.
Define hypothesis (prediction)
A way of stating the specific outcome that the researcher expects to observe if the theory is accurate
Define data
A set of observations. (What’s happening in the experiment)
Data that matches theory predictions strengthens our confidence in the theory
Data that doesn’t match theory predictions indicates that the theory need to be revised
Define empiricism (empirical method or empirical research)
The approach of collecting data and using it to develop, support, or challenge a theory.
Involves evidence using the five senses or from instruments that assist our senses (timer, thermometer, scale, photograph) as a basis for our conclusion
The theory-data cycle
Theory (leads researchers to pose particular)..
Research questions (which lead to an appropriate)..
Research design (in the context of the design, researchers formulate)..
Hypothesis (researchers then collect and analyze)..
Data (which feed back into the cycle)
What makes a good theory?
Theories that are supported by data, are falsifiable, and are parsimonious
Define falsifiable (good theories need this)
Can be proven wrong (and thus challenge the theory itself)
Define parsimony (good theories need this)
All other things must be equal.
Simpleness
Define applied research
Done with a practical problem in mind; the researchers hope that their findings will be directly applied to the solution of that problem.
Ex: treatments of mental disorders, experiment with new methods for teaching math or for evaluating teachers.
Define basic research
(Not intended to address a specific, practical problem.)
The goal of basic research is simply to enhance the general body of the visual system, the capacity of the human memory, the motivations of a depressed person, or the limitations of the infant attachment system.
Define translational research
When researchers conduct studies in which they are intentionally using lessons from basic research to develop and test applications to health care, psychotherapy, or other interventions
Define scientific journal
A paper a scientist writes to tell the scientific world about the results of their research, whether basic or applied.
What’s peer-reviewed
When an editor receivers a manuscript, the editor sends it to three or four experts on the subject (for flaws) and decide if it deserves to be published
Could end after one rotation but in most cases and its true cycle peer reviewers ask for revisions, and the scientist responds, revised the paper, maybe collects more data, and submits it again. Then may be published if good enough.
What is the difference between a research producer and research consumer?
Research producer makes the research while the research consumer uses the researcher to their benefit
Define journalism
Includes kinds of news and commentary that most of us read or hear on tv, magazines and newspapers, and on Internet sites.
Usually written up by journalists not scientists and are meant for the general public.
Easy to access and don’t require specialized education to read.
Benefits and risks of journal-to-journalism cycle
Benefit- the general public can understand what psychologists really do, pick up on important tips for living, understand children better, etc
Negatives- journalists might not display information accurately or report the most scientific story
