Inquizitive: Chapter 1

Question 1

Evidence-based treatment

Answer 1

A psychotherapy technique whose effectiveness has been supported by empirical research

Question 2

Empiricism

Answer 2

The use of verifiable evidence as the basis for conclusions; collecting data systematically and using it to develop, support, or challenge a theory

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

A statement or set of statements that describes general principles about how variables relate to one another

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A statement of the specific result the researcher expects to observe from a particular study, if the theory is accurate (aka prediction)

Question 5

Data

Answer 5

A set of observations representing the values of some variable, collected from one or more research studies

Question 6

Preregistered

Answer 6

A term referring to a study in which, before collecting any data, the researcher has stated publicly what the study’s outcome is expected to be

Question 7

Replication

Answer 7

The process of conducting a study again to test whether the result is consistent

Question 8

Weight of the evidence

Answer 8

A conclusion drawn from reviewing scientific literature and considering the proportion of studies that is consistent with a theory

Question 9

Falsifiability

Answer 9

A feature of a scientific theory, in which it is possible to collect data that will indicate that the theory is wrong

Question 10

Universalism

Answer 10

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientific claims are evaluated according to their merit, independent of the researcher’s credentials or reputation; the same pre-established criteria apply to all scientists and all research

Question 11

Communality

Answer 11

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientific knowledge is created by a community, and its finding belong to the community

Question 12

Disinterestedness

Answer 12

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientists strive to discover the truth whatever it is; they are not swayed by conviction, idealism, politics, or profit

Question 13

Organized skepticism

Answer 13

One of Merton’s four scientific norms, stating that scientists question everything, including their own theories, widely accepted ideas, and “ancient wisdom”

Question 14

Self-correcting

Answer 14

A process in which scientists make their research available for peer review, replication, and critique, with the goal of identifying and correcting errors in the research

Question 15

Applied research

Answer 15

Research whose goal is to find a solution to a particular real-world problem

Question 16

Basic research

Answer 16

Research whose goal is to enhance the general body of knowledge, without regard for direct application to practical problems

Question 17

Translational research

Answer 17

Research that uses knowledge derived from basic research to develop and test solutions to real-world problems

Question 18

Journal

Answer 18

A monthly or quarterly periodical containing peer-reviewed articles on a specific academic discipline or sub-discipline, written for a scholarly audience

Question 19

Journalism

Answer 19

News and commentary published or broadcast in the popular media and produced for a general audience