Chapter 1 Textbook Flashcards
What does it mean to reason empirically
Reason by using evidence from the senses or from instruments that assist the senses as the basis for conclusions
How does psychological research methods help with producing and consuming information
Teaches you the skills to know what research is, its components and how to recognize good vs bad research.
What are 5 habits that define the work of scientists
1) Theory
2) Research Design
3) Hypothesis
4) Data
5) Revision or Support
What does the producer of research and consumer of research roles have in common and how are they different
Both need to be skilled in knowing what research is, its components and how to recognize good vs bad research. However, the producer creates and conducts research and experiments, whereas the consumer reads the research and uses it to acquire knowledge on certain topics.
What kinds of jobs would require producer-of-research skills
Scientists, psychologists, professors, etc.
What kinds of jobs would require consumer-of-research skills
Psychologists, social worker, teacher, sales representative, HR professional, entrepreneur, etc.
Evidence-based treatment
A psychotherapy technique whose effectiveness has been supported by empirical research
What happens to a theory when the data do not support the theory’s hypotheses? What happens to a theory when the data do support the theory’s hypotheses?
- When the data do not support the theory’s hypothesis, the theory hets revised or research designs get improved
- When the data does support, it strengthens the theory
What are the four norms that people in the scientific community strive to follow?
Merton’s norm of
1) Universalism
2) Communality
3) Disinterestedness
4) Organized skepticism
What is the difference between basic research and applied research and how do they interact?
- Basic research enhances the general body of knowledge, while applied research is done with a practical problem in mind and the researchers conduct their work in a local, real-world context
- They interact with translational research, an attempt to translate the findings of basic research into applied areas
Why can’t theories be proved by science?
Because of empiricism, scientists avoid inferences they cannot support with direct observations
When scientists publish their data, what are the benefits?
The benefits of Merton’s norm of communality, sharing the results with other scientists and the public.
What are 2 ways journalists might distort the science they attempt to publicize?
1) Overstating the research
2) Getting the details wrong
