Chapter 1 Flashcards
Ad hoc immunizing hypothesis
A way to determine falsification of a theory
Anecdotes
He said/ she said
Empiricism
Empirical method of research
Have their conclusions on evidence from the senses or from instruments
Scientific skepticism
Remaining open and careful when evaluating claims
Critical thinking
Set of skills needed to be open minded and careful when evaluating claims
Occam’s razor
Principle of parsimony
Usually the simpler explanation, is the correct explanation.
Theory-data cycle
Asking questions that are based on theories, making predictions, and collecting and reflecting upon data
Harlow (1958)
Cupboard theory vs contact theory
Data supported contact comfort theory
Theory
Set of statements that describes general principles about how variables relate to one another
Hypothesis
Predictions about the outcomes of your research based on theory
Data
Set of observations
Falsifiable
A theory must lead to hypothesis that, when tested, could actually fail to support the theory
Parsimonious
All other things equal, the simplest solution is the best.
Applied research
Conducted in order to solve practical problems
Findings will be directly applied to finding a solution
Basic research
Goal is to enhance the general body of knowledge about a particular topic
