empiricism, data and variable in quantitative research WK 2 Flashcards
Define empiricism and some examples
fundamental part of scientific theory
-philosophical origins
-hypotheses/theories must be tested with regard to observation not prior reasoning
e.g. experiments, establish/validated measurement tools)
How do you ensure science of psychology is empirical?
-well designed studies (experimental, correlational)
-testable hypotheses/research questions
-clear definitions of variables (predictors/outcomes)
-appropriate sample sizes
What is observation in scientific theory? what is it’s downside as evidence
systematically watching behaviour to summarise for scientific analysis
-alone not sufficient for scientific collection of evidence (must be systematic)
Define scientific theory. What is required in scientific collection of data?
constructed to explain/predict phenomena
-specific
-no theory is infallible
-scientific collection of data must be theory driven, not random observations
Describe the role of scientific theory
-conceptual structure support by large/varied data set
-hypotheses-specific prediction (from theories)
-hypotheses falsifiable
-allow testing of theory
Describe falsifiability
logical possibility can be contradicted by observations or outcome of experiment
-falsifiable doesn’t=false
-if not falsifiable then cannot be tested
Describe verifiability
-science must be publicly verifiable in order to be evaluated
-science must be submitted to community for criticism/empirical testing by others
What can be done correctly
-Transparency (e.g. methodology, collection data)
-Public accessibility, allows transparency
-Public availability and reusability of scientific data
-Use web-based tools to facilitate scientific collaboration
Importance of publication of research
-Communicate knowledge/methods for obtaining knowledge
-Important for furthering science
-Methods are corrected/improved
Importance of peer review/requirements
-Research advanced through collab+critique
-Journal articles critiqued by several scientists prior to publication
-Open access: scientific research published that findings accessible to all potential users, no barriers
Describe replication and it’s setbacks
-Same experiment of same results (safeguard)
-Can be difficult to publish
Provide short summary of the three broad research domains
-Quantitative: involves conducting statistical analyses using numerical data
-Qualitative: based on rich textual data rather than numerical data
Mixed methods: researcher combines/mixes quantitative and qualitative research techniques, methods, concepts, language, into single study
Define data
Translation of real world phenomena into something deliberately recorded and collected
Where can potential data be used? How is perceived environment measured?
Potential data can be used free/daily e.g.;
-To save money
-Improve fitness
-Manage stress, sleep, phone time
-Save lives
Perceived environment can be measure in various ways such as;
-Light temperature
-Sound
-Air quality
Define variables in psychology
Phenomenon that can take on different values
-Need to be operationalised before measure
-Definitions can change across contexts overtime
-E.g. Stress: nervous arousal, impatient, irritable/over-reactive
