W1 Flashcards
Understanding the empirical cycle
Scientific research
systematic process of gathering theoretical knowledge through observation
empiricism -> social reality
systematic and cumulative -> builds on previous research
Hypothesis
scientific claim which needs to be tested through empiricism and scientific method
6 principles of the scientific method
1) empirically testable
2) replicable - trials for more accurate set of results
3) objective - emotions cannot influence the way the research is conducted
4) transparent - exact question and exact everything. researchers must publicly share details
5) falsifiable - we need to prove otherwise in order to find what we want
6) logically consistent - never change hypothesis after conducting the research
Qualitative research
- looking for verification
- reasons why they are doing x
- generating new theories (different opinions, revolving around that all people should be treated individually)
Quantitative research
- looks for falsification
- disproval
- measuring things with numbers
- trying to test the theory
Empirical analytical approach
knowledge we acquire is obtained from observation and measured from the researchers perspective
tries to find patterns and rule out alternative explanations
aligns with QUANTITATIVE APPROACH
Nomothetic approach (WV1)
attitudes, opinions can be treated as objects because we can measure them with numbers
Empirical interpretive approach
knowledge we acquire is obtained from observation and interpretation from the participants perspective
tries to seek understanding
aligns with QUALITATIVE APPROACH
Idiographic approach (WV2)
communication is subjective and unique and varies independently from person to person
Empirical cycle
1) observation - noticeable relations
- > research question
2) induction - specific observations to general theories
-> theory
3) deduction - from general to specific “expectations”
- > hypothesis and predictions
- > collect data
4) testing - testing the hypothesis
- > analyse data
5) evaluation
Induction phase
specific observation - pattern recognition - theory (general)
Scientific method
based on systematic observation and consistent logic
increases chances of coming up with valid explanations
helps evaluate plausibility of hypothesis
Types of quantitative methods
surveys
experiments
Qualitative researchers
use words and experiences from their informants
Quantitative researchers
use stats for objective reporting
