Lecture Content Flashcards
Epistemology
the theory of knowing (through experiencing; tenacity; authority)
List the components of the scientific method
Objectivity, Confirmation of Findings, Self Correction, Control, Experiment, Variables
Objectivity
using quantifiable measures for observation
confirmation of findings
repeating experiments to confirm the original results (repetition adds credibility to the research findings)
self correction
public scrutiny; new knowledge changing findings & view of phenomena; (replication!!)
Control
controlling & filtering confounding variables
Experiment
used to determine cause-and-effect relationships (BUT NOT EVERY STUDY DETERMINES A RELATIONSHIP) (CORRELATION DOES NOT = CAUSATION)
Variables
Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Extraneous Variables
Independent Variable
the variable that is directly manipulated by the experimenter [THE CAUSE]
Dependent Variable
the variable that is being measured [THE EFFECT]
Extraneous Variables
these variables are unwanted & can invalidate an experiment because it can influence the dependent variable
11 Steps to Conducting Research
- Identify a problem or question to study
- Review Previous research in the literature
- Consider Theoretical Issues
- Develop a Hypothesis
- Research Design
- Conduct the experiment
- Analyze Data
- Discuss findings and limitations (interpreting the results and stating the IMPLICATIONS of the findings)
- Prepare a Research Report of the experiment
- Share and publish research report
- find a new problem/future questions worth studying
Theories
formal statement of the relations among the independent and dependent variables in a given area
Research Hypothesis
the experimenters predicted outcome of a research project
A hypothesis should be:
testable, should be a synthetic statement (falsifiable), directional or non-directional
Directional vs non directional
“gamers will have FASTER reaction times” vs “gamers will have DIFFERENT reaction times”
Experiments vs non experimental methods
experiments manipulate an IV and correlation = causation; non-experimental methods are the opposite of this
Non Experimental Methods
no manipulation occurring; you can only SPECULATE about cause & effect,
Why not use an experimental method instead of a non-experimental method?
For some studies it is unethical to experiment, there can also be logistical issues like monitoring adherence
list the 4 non-experimental methods
- descriptive methods
- correlational studies
- ex post facto
- survey’s
Descriptive Methods
archival studies, observational studies (examples include case studies, naturalist observation, ethnographic inquiry, focus groups, grounded theory, participatory action research)
Case Studies
observation of a single individual who is exceptional is some way with like a rate medical disease or something (ex: case of H.M.)
Pros: rarity
cons: results may not be applicable or general enough to other situations
Naturalistic Observation
The experimenter doesn’t intervene with the behavior being studied
Naturalistic Observations through time vs situational sampling
Time Sampling: making observations at different time points (this allows observations to generalize to different times & people)
Situational Sampling: observing the same behavior in several different situations (allows observations to generalize to different contexts & to different people)