The Scientific Method Flashcards
Testability
Must be amendable to systematic testing that could show it to be false
Replicability
Must occur under prescribed circumstances not once but repeatedly
Construct
Hypothetical entity to explain observed behavior
-ex. Anxiety
Theory
Prediction about relationship between constructs
The goal of science
To advance theories to account for data
-proposes cause-effect relationships
Hypothesis
-testable statement derived from theory
-null hypothesis
—no relationship between variables
Operationism
-each concept is a single observable and measurable operation
—children model adult behavior
-each theoretical concept equals one measurable event
-if each concept is operationalized in only one way, it’s is generally lost
—ex. Yelling
Challenges to research
-people are complex
-behaviour has multiple causes
-research is intrusive
-unwilling participants
Starting scientific method
- Define the problem/observation
- Specify testable hypothesis
—operationalize (IV, DV, etc.)
Case studies
-idiographic
-qualitative and person-centered
-studying the uncommon
—advantages:
-excellent for generating hypothesis
-preserves complexity of individual
-new and rare phenomenon
—disadvantages:
-biases
-low external validity
Correlational. Studies
-Nomethetic
-measuring a group of people on a number of variables
-examines relationship among variables
—advantages:
-more control
-cheaper
-high external validity
Correlation coefficient
Measures strength of relationship
-R
- +/- 1
Qualitative research
Focus is on experiences of small groups in depth
-similar to case studies
-descriptive accounts
—subject to same criticism as case studies
Confounding variables
3rd variable problem
Classificatory variables
Variables that are already present
-ex. Social class, race, age, etc.
