The Importance Of Theory

Question 1

Why so theory important?

Answer 1

Scientific theory allows us to reason, and explicate ideas

Allows researches to test ideas using empirical evidence

Builds knowledge cumulatively by ongoing process of refining and extending theory

Question 2

What makes a good theory?

Answer 2

Explains hypothesised relationships and their underlying causal mechanisms

Can be used to make clear and testable predictions

Question 3

What makes a poor theory?

Answer 3

Imprecise and it can’t be falsified (tested)

Question 4

What are the key features of the scientific approach?

Answer 4

Definition and measurement of key variables

Testing falsifiable theories

Prediction and hypothesis testing

Question 5

key features of the scientific method continued

Answer 5

Claims about the world must be support by evidence

Good research is replicable - not enough to show a result once, must be able to repeat the experiment and get the same result

Uses the hypothetico-deductive method

Question 6

What is the hypothetico deductive method?

Answer 6

Describes the scientific process through which scientific theories are tested

Question 7

What are the key features of the hypothetico-deductive method ?

Answer 7

Observation and data collection
Development of explanatory theory
Development of hypothesis (deductive) and testing of hypothesis (research prediction)
Conclusion; evidence supports or challenges theory

Question 8

What is quantitive research in psychology?

Answer 8

Positivist approach - hypothetico-deductive
Prediction and hypothesis testing
Causal statements
Quantitative methods e.g. Surveys
Empiricism (observation, measurement, numerical results)

Question 9

What is qualitative research in psychology?

Answer 9

Views reality as socially constructed
Develops rich, coherent, insightful descriptions of human phenomena
Inductive methods
Validation and quality of research based on persuasiveness/credibility
Acknowledges subjective involvement of the researcher