Task 1 Flashcards
What is real science? Name 7 characteristics
empirical (erfahrungsgemäß)
evidence from observations made under controlled conditions
rational (sinnvoll)
consistent with established facts and free of logical errors
testable
has to have possible outcomes that disprove the explanation
parsimonious (sparsam)
the simplest explanation with fewest assumptions
general
explanation holds under many ciricumstances
tentative (vorläifig)
confidence in explanation, but openness to revise if proven wrong
rigorously (streng)
peer reviewed and under constant pressure to be replaced by better explanation
What are pseudoscience? Name 5 characteristics
situation specific
- cannot be falsfied (verfälscht)
vague (ungenau) studies
-cannot be relicated
no exploration (Untersuchung) of mechanisms -no progress in knowledge
strong personal interest
relies on persuasion (Überzeugung) through
- impressive- sounding jargon
- authority
- belief/ faith
Name 4 ways why science could get wrong?
Common- Sense Explantaions
Circular Explanations / Tautology
Method of Authority
Rational Method
Why are common-sense explanations wrong? Name 3 reasons
incomplete
inconsistent with other evidence
lacking generality
“This information has been passed down from generations. Because it is so old it must be true.”
What does a circular explanation / tautology not have? Name 2 things
independent measure
explanatory concept
“I am angry when I’m hungry. But it is ok, because hungry people get angry.”
Name 2 problems which can appear by using the method of authority
possible bias
often accepted without questioning
“This is the best toothpaste available!” Dr.med.Reinard
Name 4 steps (X&Y) you go through by making a scientific method
- Observation & Induction
- Hypothesis & Deduction
- Observing & Exerimenting
- Referring & Retesting
Whats the problem by using the rational method?
True assumptions produce true statements but few assumptions are 100% true
can lead to testable questions
I. All students in Maastricht have bikes.
II. Merle is a student in Maastricht.
C. Merle must have a bike
- Observation & Induction
initial point of interest
2 observable/ measurable variables
using induction - Einführung specific to general
“Lena’s bike has flowers. Girls like bikes with flowers.”
data driven
- Hypothesis & Deduction
Hypothesis: testable, falsifiable, positive, parsimonious
using deduction - Schlussfolgerung
general to specific
“Girls like bikes with flowers.
Girls tend to choose a bike with flowers.”
Theory driven
- Observing & Experimenting
observation to test validity
choosing type of research (correlational, quasi-experimental, experimental)
- Refining (Verfeinerung) & Retesting
adjusting (anpassen) hypothesis
repeat testing
What should a good theory have or do?
Name 5 characteristics
parsimony
Explanatory relevance
(logical link between theory and what is to be tested)
Testability
(possiblity of failing an empirical test)
account for (most) data
prediction of novel events
What should you keep in mind by testing a theory?
Name 3 things
Strong Inference: ruling out alternative explanations, until only one remains
Confirmation: Only use in starting phase
Disconfirmation: Trying to find an outcome that proves the theory wrong. If this is not achieved the theory is strong
Ethics
By doing a scientific research you should inform your participant about several things
name 6
Knowledge over nature, purpose and duration of research
ability to withdraw with foreseeable consequences
foreseeable risks
prospective research benefits
confidentiality (anonymity)
contact person in case of question
What should you keep in mind about your final notes?
Name 4 key words
reward
informed consent
anonymity
approval of ethics committee
How should be the reward for your participant?
Should be not expressive nor inappropriate
Informed consent
may be left out if no harm to participants is possible (e.g. survey)
Anonymity
data collection does not require anonymity, but anonymity should be ensured after data collection is completed
Approval of ethics committee
needed for any research
Define deception
Deception is giving false information about research or part of it to participants
Name 4 conditions for the use of deception
only used as a last resort
there is sufficient evidence that the results from this research will be useful
great effort to predict possible vulnerabilities (Schwachstellen) of participants has been shown
debriefing (Nachbesprechung)
basic research
is about conforming or disconfirming a certain theory
acquire general information about a phenomena
little regard to real-world examples
applied research
generate information that can be directly applied to real-life problems
Define a Theory
Theory: “a plausible or scientifically acceptable, well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena and predict the characteristics of as yet unobserved phenomena.”
How should a good hypothesis look like?
Name 6 characteristics
- connected with prior research, plausible with respect to what we already know
- testable, variables should be observable and measurable, focused on real situations and events
- falsifiable/tentative and risky, there must be a chance that the theory is wrong
- positive, should prove that something exist, not that something does not exist.
- parsimonious, not to complex, as simple as possible, but not simpler.
- general, explanations of broad explanatory power
During which stages of your experiment is confidentiality required?
While anonymity is only required at the end of your research, confidentiality is required during all stages
