Research Methods A2 L5 - 8 (science, theories, reports)

Question 1

Science:

Answer 1

Systematic and controlled approach to creating knowledge that we can rely on to predict and control the world

Question 2

Give 3 factors that determine whether psychology is a science:

Answer 2

• Sample is large and representative
• Key words are operationalised
• Confounding variables have been identified and accounted for

Question 3

Empirical method:

Answer 3

• A method of gaining knowledge, which relies on direct observation/testing
• Can help separate unfounded beliefs from real truth

Question 4

Paradigm:

Answer 4

Shared set of assumptions and agreed methods that are found within scientific disciplines

Question 5

What did Kuhn (1962) say about paradigms and paradigm shifts?

Answer 5

• Paradigms are what distinguishes scientific and non-scientific disciplines eg pre-sciences v natural sciences
• Paradigm shift is when the results of a scientific revolution occurs

Question 6

What are the 2 stages of paradigm shifts?

Answer 6

1) A theory remains dominant in a scientific discipline. Some researchers question this. Counter evidence accumulates and gains popularity. Present paradigm is overthrown
2) An established science makes rapid progress and a scientific revolution occurs

Question 7

Give one example of a paradigm shift:

Answer 7

• Copernicus in 16th century
• People thought Earth was at centre of universe but he found that sun was at centre
• This is a paradigm shift

Question 8

Objectivity:

Answer 8

• Approaching facts in a way that is unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings or expectations
• The basis of the empirical method

Question 9

Replicability:

Answer 9

Extent to which findings of research can be repeated in different contexts and circumstances

Question 10

4 purposes of replicability:

Answer 10

1) Guards against scientific fraud
2) Researchers can check if the results gained were a ‘one-off’
3) Shows findings are reliable
4) Shows findings are valid

Question 11

Falsifiability by who:

Answer 11

• Notion that scientific theories can potentially be disproved by evidence
• Popper (1934)

Question 12

What did Popper (1969) say about scientific theories?

Answer 12

Genuine scientific theories should be tested and can also be proven false

Question 13

Compare pseudoscience and natural sciences:

Answer 13

• Pseudoscience discipline produce theories that cannot be falsified easily
• Natural sciences also cannot usually be proved false because they are strong

Question 14

How are theories constructed?

Answer 14

• Via hypothesis testing and re-testing
• Based on results of a range of work

Question 15

Give 4 stages of deductive reasoning:

Answer 15

1) Propose a theory
2) Develop a hypothesis
3) Test this theory
4) Draw conclusions

Question 16

Give 5 stages of inductive reasoning:

Answer 16

1) Observe facts in an environment
2) Develop a hypothesis
3) Test hypothesis
4) Draw conclusions
5) Devise a theory based on this info

Question 16

Who devised the Hypothetico-deductive model and what does it suggest?

Answer 16

• Popper (1935)
• Theory should come first, then a hypothesis should be generated

Question 17

2 general points about writing a psychological report:

Answer 17

1) Write report in 3rd person
2) Report should be clear

Question 18

Stages of writing a psychological report:

Answer 18

1) Title
2) Abstract
3) Intro leading to hypothesis
4) Method
5) Results
6) Discussion
7) References

Question 19

What 2 things should the title consist of?

Answer 19

• Clear focus
• Key variables you’re investigating

Question 20

What is an abstract and what does it consist of?

Answer 20

• 150/200 words
• Written once whole report is completed
• Summary of main concepts
• Includes background literature, hypothesis, research and sampling methods, conclusion

Question 21

What 4 features does the method section consist of?

Answer 21

1) Design –> experimental design and why, variables, ethical issues
2) Sample –> sampling methods and why
3) Apparatus
4) Procedure

Question 22

What 4 things are included in the results section?

Answer 22

• Descriptive stats
• Inferential stats
• Categories and themes explained
• Whether experimental/null hypothesis has been rejected

Question 23

What 4 features are involved in the discussion section?

Answer 23

1) Summary of results
2) Relationship to background research
3) Limitations of methodology and modifications
4) Implications and suggestions (what research tells you about real life situations)

Question 24

What is the order of book referencing?

Answer 24

1) Author’s name (surname, first name initial)
2) Year of publication
3) Title
4) Place of publication
5) Publisher

Question 25

What is the order of journal referencing?

Answer 25

1) Author’s name
2) Year of publication
3) Title of article
4) Journal title
5) Volume
6) Page numbers