The Scientific Method

Question 1

How do we determine if ideas are true?

Answer 1

Scientific method

Question 2

What is science?

Answer 2

Attempting to understand the world and its workings objectively - we aim to eliminate subjectivity as much as possible.

Error detection mechanisms: if your idea is wrong, we can detect it and throw it away.

Empiricism: knowledge through experience –> observe and then test it again

Question 3

What are the steps in the research process?

Answer 3

i. Find a research question (what you want to explain)
ii. From a broad theory, derive a specific prediction (hypotheses)
iii. Define and operationalize variables
iv. Identify participants (and recruit)
v. Select research strategy (type of research)
vi. Select research design (between / within subjects)
vii. Collect / analyse data
ix. Evaluate theory: if you hypothesis was supported, continue researching - if not, tweak the theory

Question 4

What is a hypothetico-deductive model?

Answer 4

Hypothesis = statement describing or explaining the relationship between variables
Deductive reasoning = deducing conclusions from premises
Deduce specific hypotheses from general theory –> i.e. you are making a specific hypothesis drawn from theory

Question 6

Your hypotheses must be:

Answer 6

• logical (consistent with expectations from previous research)
• testable (the variables aren’t abstract - they are observable / assessable / measurable)
• refutable / falsifiable (can be shown to be false)
• positive (has to state that some kind of relationship exists - whether it be directional or nondirectional)

Question 7

What is defining and operationalizing variables?

Answer 7

Defining: what will we measure?
Operationalizing: how will we measure it?

Question 8

How do you identify participants?

Answer 8

2 issues:
- is the sample appropriate
- is there sample bias (needs to be generalized) - WEIRD
- practical considerations

Question 9

Select a research strategy?

Answer 9

Use a correlational method to describe events (describe relationships between variables - whether something predicts others)

Use an experimental method to explain events - to infer causality

Question 10

Extraneous vs Confounding Variables

Answer 10

Extraneous variables: all other variables in the study
Confounding variables: Extraneous variables that systematically differ across IVs and may also influence the DV