T3 Lecture W1

Question 1

The Scientific Process

Answer 1

• We need an agreed upon method to study the mind.

- We create the Scientific Method to study the mind and behaviour objectively.

Question 2

How can we hope to build our knowledge? (3)

Answer 2

• Knowledge needs to be evidence based
• Evidence must be reproducible
• Evidence needs to be objective (scientific method)

Question 3

What are the goals of Science (4)

Answer 3

• Describe
• Predict
• Determine Cause
• Explain

Question 4

Science is Based on Evidence

Answer 4

• We collect Data
• We analyse data
• This produces evidence for us

Question 5

There are different types of Science

Answer 5

• Medical - is a certain pill useful or not?

Question 6

What determines good Scientific Research (8)

Answer 6

• Based on the work of others
• Can be replicated
• Is generalisable to other settings
• Is based on logical rationale and tie to theory
• Is doable
• Generates new questions
• Is incremental
• Is an apolitical activity

Question 7

Good Scientific Methodology can be replicated

Answer 7

• can be mirrored by others

- also replicates the work of others

Question 8

Good Scientific Methodology is generalisable

Answer 8

• allows room for the assumption that if a finding is so in a small population then this finding can be assumed to reflect the greater population

Question 9

Good Scientific Methodology is logical and tied to theory

Answer 9

• We need to understand why something works so that we can apply these theories in other contexts

Question 10

How to recognise good research

Answer 10

• The scientific process is used to seek the truth

- if the process is sound, then the conclusion is sound

Question 11

Can we ever know the real truth?

Answer 11

• Karl Popper said we can never really ‘Know’ that something is true
• We can attempt to falsify a theory until it is no longer able to be falsified
• It is then considered accepted but not true.
• A hypothesis is tested not proven
• Being wrong is not bad; it just leads to more questions

Question 12

what are important factor in the Scientific Process

Answer 12

• Parameters
• What are we looking for
• What factors should we consider?
  Factors should
• Not have been investigated previously
• contribute to understanding
• available to investigate
• be interesting personally or professionally
• Lead to other questions

Question 13

What is a Hypothesis

Answer 13

• an educated guess that is declarative
• “if, then else”
• reflects Theory and literature
• brief to the point

Question 14

Inferential Statistics

Answer 14

• Allow us to assign a probability level to a finding
• empowers us to make inference on whether an effect is real, due to chance or influenced by something else.
• Helps to assess differences

Question 15

Testing a Hypothesis

Answer 15

• ensure that the data we are measuring is accurately reflecting what we are trying to deduce
• Assess whether the data is random or as a result of our mediation

Question 16

Steps in the Scientific Process (8)

Answer 16

• Asking a question
• Identifying Important Factors
• Formulating a Hypothesis
• Collect relevant information
• Testing the hypothesis
• Working with the hypothesis
• Reconsider the theory
• Asking a new question

Question 17

Null Hypothesis

Answer 17

• says there is no statistical significance between the two variables
• often a hypothesis that researcher or experimenter will try to disprove or discredit
• Finding nothing or null results is important, but does not get published.

Question 18

Important points about the Scientific Process (6)

Answer 18

• Theories are tentative and they evolve over time.
• Observations must be replicable
• Science acknowledges it is fallible
• Nothing is ever proved absolutely
• Scientists remain sceptical and alert to alternative explanations
• Science is a based on a genuine desire to understand the way things are

Question 19

Basic Research

Answer 19

• Answers fundamental questions about behaviour
• often address theoretical issues about cognition, mental processes and behaviour
• Doesn’t try to solve problems and has no specific application
• Has high degree of control
• emphasises refuting or supporting theories that explain how the world works.

Question 20

Applied Research

Answer 20

• practical in nature
• trying to resolve problems
• takes place in the real world
• strict protocols may need to be relaxed
• Applied research is often guided by Basic Research findings