Research Methods Flashcards
What do research methods prevent?
Bias, crazy ideas, stops bad science influencing results
Define ‘explicit bias’
Person is aware of a preference.
Define ‘unconscious/implicit bias’
To prefer one type of object/person/idea without being aware of the preference. [ex. choosing males over females even though they both have the same applications]
What does it mean to study something scientifically? [3 important characteristics of science]
- structured empiricism
- verification
- testable hypothesis
What does structured empiricism rely on? [2 points]
> relies on observation
> design an experiment to test a hypothesis
What is verification? [3 points]
> have others check results
correct mistakes + reduce falsification
verify thru replication
What is testable hypotheses [2 points]
> specific prediction made by a scientific theory
> must be tested thru observation/experimentation
How do we get closer to the truth?
DISPROVE FALSE EXPLANATIONS
What are the 6 cautionary points?
- anecdotes don’t make a scientific point
- bold claims aren’t necessairly true
- unexplained doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist
- coincidence!
- don’t ONLY appeal to authority
- explore alt. explanations
List the 3 characteristics of psychological studies.
- standardised procedures
- sampling
- measuring OBSERVABLE behaviour
What 3 things should you aim for when measuring observable behaviour?
> objective, accurate observations
reliability (getting results)
validity (measuring what you think you are)
3 methods used in descriptive studies.
- naturalistic observation
- case studies
- surveys
Describe naturalistic observations
study behaviour of animals/people in their natural environment
Describe case studies
- careful, intensive observation
- of one or few individuals
Describe surveys
- people answer Qs about their behaviour, thoughts + opinons
