Research Method: Scientific Status of Psychology

Question 1

Define replicability.

Answer 1

If the findings from a research study are true then it should be possible to get the same findings if the study is repeated.

Question 2

Define reliability.

Answer 2

Ensuring the all procedures are the same for every participant so their performances can be compared.

Question 3

What is internal validity?

Answer 3

The extent to which a research study is testing what it intended. If there are confounding variables then the findings may be due to these rather than the so dependent variable.

Question 4

What is predictive validity?

Answer 4

Whether the test is actually related to the behaviour you want to measure and therefor is able to forecast performance.

Question 5

What is ecological validity?

Answer 5

Whether the findings of a study can be generalised beyond the research setting to other people and situations.

Question 6

What is falsification?

Answer 6

The attempt to prove something wrong. Involves the application of a null hypothesis which we seek to disprove.

Question 7

What is empiricism?

Answer 7

The view that knowledge can only come through direct observations or experiment rather than argument.

Question 8

Define credibility.

Answer 8

Believability. In order to believe something it must be valid.

Question 9

What is the scientific method?

Answer 9

A process of 5 steps that allowed to investigate beliefs without bias.
1. Male observation
2. Produce an explanation
3. Produce a testable hypothesis
4. Design a well controlled study to test hypothesis
5. Draw conclusion and reverence peer criticism.