Psychological Research and Scientific Method pt2

1. Psychological Research and Scientific Method pt2 Designing psychological Investigations

2. Theorizing/theory construction. • A theory is a model of one another in the real world & attempts to explain observed phenomena. • We formulate theories in everyday life and this previous experience leads you to associate a specific set of circumstances with a particular outcome.

3. Scientific theorising A body of knowledge is built up in a specific field over time. A write up of the results and a discussion & concluding comments about the investigation. 1.Draw upon existing work. Rise of Female gangs 4.Report findings 2.Construction Start examining a range of factors. 3.Testing Rigorous testing to see if the evidence gathered confirms or challenges the explanation.

4. Remember!!!!! • A scientific theory can represent the best explanation of available evidence, but can never be regarded as an absolute truth. • It is provisional and can be supported, modified or discarded in light of new research that is regarded as more reliable & valid.

5. Testing Hypotheses • A hypothesis is a precise, testable statement of the expected outcome of a research study. • Testing a single hypothesis cannot usually test an entire theory. The usual course to take is to test a specific hypothesis and test elements of the theory.

6. The scientific process. Deductive process Inductive process 4.1 or more hypotheses are deduced to test 1.Carry out detailed observations 5.Carryout research to test hypothesis 7. Undertake further research to attempt to test further Aspects of the theory. 2.Identify pattern/trends. 3.Suggest possible Explanation for any Pattern that have been Noted. 6. Assuming validity, reliability, the theory is supported or refuted. Stages 4-7 Hypothetico-deductive method.

7. Induction and deduction??????? • Induction- • A form of reasoning that uses the assumption that if findings are consistent over a number of observations then you can generalise from the findings to a specific law/principle. • Deduction- • A progression from specific observations to more generalised principles based upon using systematic deduction.

8. Empirical Methods. • Empiricism is known as the belief that the only source of true knowledge is through our senses & that careful observation & measurement are needed to generate this form of knowledge. • Researchers such as Francis Bacon & John Locke suggested all scientific evidence should be empirical. All evidence must be based upon evidence received via our senses through direct observation, experience or measurement rather than intuition or personal opinion.

9. General Laws & principles. • Generalisability can be used, when for instance, there is a representative sample used from the target population. • For the most part psychologists generate theoretical explanations of events.

10. Can induction be falsified? • Yes….Popper suggested the hallmarks of science which distinguish from a non-science is…falsifiability (refutability). • Using induction allows scientists to generate theories and hypotheses that can be refuted. • This is different from verification (after many replicated studies)

11. Check your understanding...you should be able to/answer… • Outline the main stages of the scientific process. • Define the term theory • What is hypothetico-dedective method, & what does it contribute to knowledge generation & testing. • Explain the principle of Poppers falsifiability. Why is it considered an important hallmark of science.