Research Methods:Scientific research

Question 1

Paradigm

Answer 1

a set of theoretical assumptions about a subject that is generally accepted by specialists. Kuhn (1970): argues a subject cannot be a science unless the majority of its workers agree with and work within a ‘global’ theory or paradigm. e.g.biologists all believe and accept evolution, importance of both nature and nurture. Psych is a pre-science. but actually may be a revolution as its had already gone thru many paradigm-shifts.

Question 2

Order of scientific research

Answer 2

Theory, hypothesis, empirical data, others attempt to replicate findings, generalisation of findings, interpretation, peer review

Question 3

Aim

Answer 3

a statement of what the researcher intends to find out in a research study

Question 4

Hypotheses

Answer 4

a precise and testable statement about the assumed relationship between variables

Question 5

Operationalisation

Answer 5

the variables are stated in a form that can be measured or easily tested

Question 6

Directional hypothesis (one-tailed)

Answer 6

predicts the nature of the effect or relationship (i.e. increase/decrease or positive/negative relationship)

Question 7

Non-directional hypothesis (two-tailed)

Answer 7

predicts that there will be an effect or a relationship, but the direction of it is not specified (normally used when there is contradictory evidence or when it is a new area with little/no previous research)

Question 8

Null hypotheses

Answer 8

the null hypotheses is used when the research hypothesis has been rejected, concluding that any differences are due to chance

Question 9

Directional hypothesis example

Answer 9

there will be a difference in the (operationalise DV) between experimental group who operationalise IV and control group who operationalise IV. The experimental group will …

Question 10

Correlational hypothesis example

Answer 10

There will be a positive/negative correlation between the (operationalise one variable) and (operationalise the other variable). NOTE: there is no IV or DV

Question 11

theory and hypothesis testing

Answer 11

provide understanding and exps by organising facts. provides basis for research. Test hypothesis in research - only accepted if its probability exceeds a predetermined significant level. Unfalsifiable - Freuds theory of unconscious mind. Falsifiable - biological approach fight/flight.3

Question 12

Empirical methods

Answer 12

involves use of objective, quantitative observation in a systematically controlled, replicable situation, experimental and verifiable in order to test/refine a theory. Difficult to get objectivity as psych deals with living, conscious things. e.g. empirical - brain scans , not empirical - Little Hans

Question 13

Replication

Answer 13

Repetition of a research study using the same procedure, findings should be repeated. If replicated validity is increased, generalisability is increased and practical application is improved.

Question 14

generalisation

Answer 14

ability of the researcher to make a justified extension of their conclusions, applying them to members of the target population and other situations (ecological, population, temporal validity).

Question 15

Overt behaviours

Answer 15

actions that are able to be observed. Can be internal but must be observed from responses. Can be studied using scientific methods.

Question 16

Subjective, private experience

Answer 16

Private experience is produced by the individual mind. Internal and unique to each person. Cannot be accessed or replicated. E.g. pain, introspection, Freudian – unconscious mind.
Humanistic – unique, individual. Hallucinations and dreams. Can’t experience what they are hallucinating even if we know they are.

Question 17

Peer review

Answer 17

Peer review is the practice of using independent experts to assess the quality and validity of scientific research and academic reports.

Question 18

The process of P.R

Answer 18

Expert in same field selected, who works for the journal the paper has been submitted to. Read unpublished paper, look for mistakes. Publish, or review again, or reject.

Question 19

The purpose of P.R

Answer 19

1. Any research published must be of high quality
2. Helps to allocate research funding – UK government currently spends £5.8 billion on research, so needs to go to worthwhile studies
3. Cant be published in journal unless its peer reviewed. 4.Meant to spot fraudulent research, so that any research that is published can be trusted by the general public.

Question 20

the problems of P.R

Answer 20

Isnt always possible to find expert, esp if its new area of research. Journals tend to publish studies w. positive results=publication bias. Once in the public domain the damage the damage is done. Peer review does not always spot the mistakes. It is not infallible.

Question 21

Good thing about taking scientific approach

Answer 21

Makes studies within psych more creditable and taken more seriously. Respectability due to scientific status.
Can establish cause and effect – treatment, predict, prevent.
Theories provide general laws of behaviour and allow psych to progress as a science

Question 22

bad things about taking scientific approach

Answer 22

reductive and deterministic. Part of being human is free will, and this is neglecting that.
Leads to neglect of vital subjective areas of psych e.g. mental illnesses.
Lab experiments – demand characteristics in artificial environment, because subject matter is human behaviour- lack of generalisability.
Ethical implication – findings from case studies cannot be replicated in a scientific experiment. These ethical restrictions may constrain psych research.