Lecture 1.2 Flashcards
What does “meta-“ designate when used with the name of a discipline?
When “meta-“ is used with the name of a discipline, it designates a new but related discipline designed to deal critically with the original one.
What is meta-theory?
Meta-theory is a discipline designed to deal critically with theory.
What is the focus of logic/explanation within philosophy?
Logic/explanation within philosophy concerns how to know whether a theory or statement even makes sense.
Provide an example of a question related to ontology.
“Is the mind material?” is an example of a question related to ontology.
What is epistemology concerned with?
Epistemology is concerned with the nature of knowledge.
Give an example of an ethical question.
“Should we try this experimental treatment on Jenny?” is an example of an ethical question.
What is critical inquiry?
Critical inquiry is careful and systematic investigation that aims to detect any errors and to test hypotheses through both logical and observational tests.
What are three areas that the metatheory of psychology critically examines?
The metatheory of psychology critically examines the logic of psychological theories, the assumptions we make about the mind, and the ways that psychology tries to be scientific.
Why must psychologists make assumptions about the mind?
Psychologists must make assumptions about the mind because psychology’s methods are indirect, as we cannot simply measure the mind with a ruler.
Why must psychologists make assumptions about the best way to be scientific?
Psychologists must make assumptions about the best way to be scientific, as the core claim of psychology is that it’s a science of the mind.
What is a question that theory asks?
“What theory best explains these results?” is a question that theory asks.
What is a question that metatheory asks?
“What are the assumptions we have when we claim that a theory explains the results?” is a question that metatheory asks.
How is metatheory similar to applied philosophy?
Metatheory is similar to applied philosophy in that it is overlooking what’s happening to critically view it as its own creation.
What are three alternative names sometimes used for the metatheory of psychology?
Conceptual psychology, philosophical psychology, and theory are three alternative names sometimes used for the metatheory of psychology.
Name two journals that focus on metatheory.
Theory & Psychology and the Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology are two journals that focus on metatheory.
What are the four important subfields of philosophy?
The four important subfields of philosophy are logic/explanation, ontology, epistemology, and ethics.
According to the document, what does understanding the philosophy/metatheory of psychology allow us to do?
Understanding the philosophy/metatheory of psychology allows us to understand how we approach ideas with theories, discussing big questions.
Name five metatheories in psychology and briefly describe each.
Cognitivism: the mind is a computer, where inputs are processed resulting in outputs.
Behaviourism: the mind is inapplicable to understanding behaviour, and we are conditioned by our environment.
Psychoanalysis: the mind is the tip of an unconscious iceberg, with drives ultimately motivated by sex/survival.
Evolutionary: the mind is an evolved survival computer, with drives ultimately motivated by sex/survival.
Humanistic: the mind is an autonomous decision-making self with goals, involving motives and beliefs.
What do all the metatheories of psychology attempt to explain?
All the metatheories of psychology attempt to explain what the mind is made of and why it does the things it does.
What does critical inquiry assume about a discipline that ignores it, according to the document?
Critical inquiry assumes that a discipline that ignores it is not a science, given that critical inquiry is the core scientific method of psychology and psychology claims to be a science.
What did Diederik Stapel do that raised concerns about research integrity?
Diederik Stapel fabricated all of his data for years, which raised concerns about research integrity.
What problem is highlighted by the replication crisis?
The replication crisis highlights the problem that if a theory has flawed assumptions or logic, it questions why we would bother with an experiment.
What are two criticisms of psychology presented in the document?
Psychology lacks a coherent, cohesive framework that can link it all together, and we have so many metatheories to explain each concept.
