The Scientific Method

Question 1

What is the goal of psychological science?

Answer 1

Goal: to gain new insights in our understanding of human behaviour/mind/thoughts by asking and answering systematic questions

• the questions and answers must be logical, and evidence based
• important to be skeptical and curious, but don’t reject everything

Question 2

How should scientists act?

Answer 2

• skeptical, but not cynical
• work to be curiously open to ideas, but not gullible
• base beliefs on empirical data, not unsupported claims

Class Video: James Randi
- magic trick with keys
- makes it look like the key bends even though it doesn’t
- the scientist studying the video of the magician was skeptical and curious, but not gullible

Question 3

List the 6 steps of the Scientific Method

Answer 3

1. Identify the problem
2. Gather information
3. Generate a hypothesis
4. Design and conduct experiments
5. Analyze data and draw conclusions
6. Restart the process with a new hypothesis

Question 4

Specifics of the Scientific Method

Answer 4

1. Identify the problem - problem comes form Empiricism (observations)
2. Gather information - educate oneself
3. Develop a hypothesis - based on info, form a hypothesis (a prediction of how variables are related to one another)
4. Design and conduct experiments - make sure factors are equal, diverse samples, think of other variables that might affect the experiment
5. Analyze data and draw conclusions - once data is obtained, see if it is generalized (only worked for you experiment)
6. Restart with a new hypothesis - once you analyzed the results, come up with a new, and more improved hypothesis and conduct more studies.

Question 5

What sort of hypothesis is needed?

Answer 5

• An operational definition is needed in the hypothesis.
• needs to be specific, detailed, and testable

ex. Three years of musical training on a violin between age 5 and 8 will result in higher math grades in 3rd grade.