Jan 14/16 Ways of Knowing 2

Question 1

explain what science is referring to the 9 major characteristics of science

Answer 1

Characteristics of science:
- generates more questions
- explaining the natural world
- uses testable hypotheses
- based on empirical observations
- continually seeks new evidence
- systematic anf rigorous
- theories change in light of new evidence
- the scientific method evolves
- research made public for scrutiny, criticism, verification.

MAINLY
- scientific knowledge is continually evolving
- scientific methods are fallible.

Question 2

explain how science is done, summarizing the steps in scientific method

Answer 2

1. we have observations about the world
2. Theory
   - studies DO NOT prove theorys but support them
   - theories need to be parsimonious (simpler, not too many concepts, every variable is necessary)
   - therories need to be falsifiable (proven wrong)
3. Hypothesis
   - a specific ans falsifiable prediction
   - if/then statement.
4. research design
5. data

Question 3

what is verificationism

Answer 3

only statements that are empirically verifiable through the sense are cognitively meaningful

Question 4

what is falsifiability

Answer 4

science disconfirms, there is not single confirming finding that can ever prove a theory. This means that we should operate under the presumption that the theory is false. If we cannot find that evidence than we can say that the study supports the theory.

Question 5

what is confirmation bias?

Answer 5

our tendency to seek out, interpret, information or evidence that is consistent with our beliefs.

ignoring of downplaying information or evidence that contradicts beliefs.

not seeking out other information.

Question 6

what are the different types of research in Psychology?

Answer 6

Basic research
translational research
applied research

Question 7

what is basic research?

Answer 7

contribute to general knowledge building, theory building
ex. reading aloud activates different brain areas than reading slightly.

Question 8

what is translational research?

Answer 8

Develops and tests knowledge from basic research in other applications
ex. children who practrice reading aloud daily will imporve their reading fluency faster thsn those who read silently.

Question 9

what is applied research?

Answer 9

Implements research in the real world, addressed a practical problem
ex. including daily reading aloud in classrooms will imporve reading test scores in second grade.

Question 10

what are the 3 approaches to research in psychology?

Answer 10

descriptive, correlational, experimental

Question 11

what are some examples of descriptive research?

Answer 11

case studies, naturalistic observation
survey research

Question 12

what are some example of correlational research?

Answer 12

cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies

Question 13

what are some examples of experimental research?

Answer 13

experimental and quasi-experimental.