WK3 THEORY VS HYPOTHESIS Flashcards
What is psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
What is the most critical term in defining psychology?
The most important term is ‘scientific.’
What makes psychology a true science?
Psychology utilizes strict scientific methods to study behavior and mental processes.
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method relies on empiricism and data plays a central role.
What is empiricism?
Empiricism is the idea that knowledge is based on observations and investigations.
What does scientific skepticism entail?
Scientific skepticism means that ideas must be evaluated based on careful logic and results from scientific investigations.
What role does data play in science?
Data is central to scientific knowledge, as scientists search for observations to verify or reject their ideas.
What is falsifiability?
Falsifiability is the concept that good scientific ideas can be supported or falsified by data.
What happens if a concept cannot be tested?
If a concept cannot be tested, it falls outside the realm of science.
What is a theory in psychology?
A theory consists of a systematic idea about a particular topic or phenomenon.
What is a research hypothesis?
A research hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction based on a theory.
What is the purpose of operationalizing variables?
Operationalizing variables defines them precisely to avoid misinterpretation.
What happens when a study confirms a predicted hypothesis?
When confirmed, a theory is supported, not proven.
Can a theory ever be proven absolutely?
No theory can ever be proven absolutely.
What are the four general goals of behavioral science?
The goals are to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior.
