Chapter 1 Flashcards
Research methods is about..
evaluating research claims (i.e., the findings of
scientists), looking closely at studies and ask questions about their reliability and validity.
When Research methods might be important
• For your future as a scientist. • For honours and graduate school • For coursework in psychology • For working in a research lab
Producer role
where you actually need to DO SCIENCE.
Consumer role
many careers require the ability to critically read
and interpret scientific findings. E.g., health professionals must stay informed and base their care on
evidence-based treatments.
Who is in a consumer role
all of us
Being an informed consumer of information sometimes
involves
knowing when things presented to us have no
basis and diverge from what science says
Scared straight
Most studies find it actually increases reoffending compared
to “no treatment” controls
Cause of rise of measles
parental decisions not to vaccinate.
Andrew Wakefield
claimed a connection between the
MMR (measles, mumps, and
rubella) vaccine and autism.
Problems with Andrew Wakefield’s study
• It had a sample size of 12. • Wakefield was funded by lawyers suing vaccineproducing companies. • Eventually revealed that he committed fraud, picking and choosing which data to include. • Retracted in 2010.
A study across many nations showed that those high in anti-vaccination attitudes
tend to be
more open to conspiratorial beliefs and show high reactance (low
tolerance for impingements on their freedoms)
Vaxxed
movie done by andrew wakefield and others
Why celebrities have an important influence on the anti vaxxer movement
1) Classical conditioning: The positive responses people have toward celebrities come to be independently generated by endorsed items.
2) Self-conception: People follow advice from celebrities who match how they perceive (or want to perceive) themselves.
3) Cognitive dissonance: People unconsciously rationalize following celebrity medical advice to reduce the psychological discomfort that may otherwise result from holding incompatible views.
4) Attachment: People, especially those with low self-esteem, form attachments to celebrities who make them feel independent in their actions, supported by others, and competent in their activities.
Scientists employ
empiricism to test theories
Empiricism
conclusions based on evidence from the
senses and instruments that assist them
The theory-data cycle
1) Theory leads researchers to pose particular 2) research question which leads to an appropriate 3) research design, in the context of the design researchers formulate 4) Hypotheses, researchers then collect and analyze 5) data, which feed back into the cycle. 6a) data supports theory and strengthens it 6b) Nonsupporting data data strengthen In the context of the design, lead to revised theories the theory. researchers formulate or improved research design.
Theory
is a set of statements
describing general principles related
to how something works or how it
happens.
A good theory…
- is supported by data
- is falsifiable; i.e., leads to a
testable hypothesis - exhibits parsimony
(AKA Occam’s razor)
Parsimony
Simplest explanation is probably the right one
Hypothesis
a specific prediction regarding the outcome of the study, following directly from the theory being tested. Note that it necessarily follows research questions and design.
Harlow (1958) formulated a research question and designed an experiment to distinguish
Cupboard theory and Contact comfort theory
Harlow’s hypothesis
monkeys would spend more time
with the cloth-covered “mother” than the wire “mother”.
If data does not support theory
One possibility is to assess the research design.
Was the experiment well designed? Could it be done in a better way?
Another possibility is to revise the theory. Is there another explanation for how contagious yawning
occurs?
Impact factor
Is a measure of how well-regarded the journal is – things like how often studies in it are cited by others
