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Scientific methods in psychology

This text explores the foundational principles of scientific methods used in psychology. It highlights how empirical investigation begins with a problem, question, or observation leading to a testable hypothesis. Key aspects of theories in psychology are examined, including their ability to be falsified, predict new observations, and adhere to simplicity (parsimony). The document emphasizes the importance of evidence gathering, careful measurement of results, interpretation, and replication in building confidence in psychological hypotheses. It also touches on the limitations of theories and the need for ongoing research.

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Scientific methods in psychology

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Scientific methods in psychology Why we have confidence in the principles of contemporary psychology

  2. It all starts with: • A problem, • Or a question, or • Maybe just an observation. • That leads to a…..

  3. theory • A comprehensive explanation of observable events • It should be: • 1) capable of being proven wrong, • 2) of predicting new observations, and • 3) as simple as possible

  4. parsimony • Science prefers theories with simple assumptions • Science is very reluctant to accept theories that contradict firmly established principles • Clever Hans • UFO’s • Limitations

  5. esp • Acquiring information without the use of sense organs and without receiving any form of physical energy • Widely accepted, but valid? • Throw away physics?!? • Suspicious “proof” • No one has met Randi’s challenge

  6. The process of gathering and evaluating evidence • Universally accepted format • Hypothesis - a testable prediction • Will exposure to violent video cause children to be more aggressive? • Will phonics training help young children read better? • Will watching Sportscenter with your boyfriend lead him to watch the Notebook with you?

  7. Process ii • Method – the means through which a hypothesis is tested • Observation • Interviews • Research • Correlations

  8. Process iii • Results the need to carefully measure what your method of investigation reveals if the data appears to be meaningful, you turn to …..

  9. interpretation • Determining what the results mean • If they fail to support the hypothesis, move on to something else, • If they support it, that suggests that the hypothesis might be valid, but • You must always consider the study’s limitations, and await ….

  10. replication • If other researchers follow your method to investigate your hypothesis, will they get the same results? • If they do, the hypothesis has been replicated – confirmed, leading to more confidence in it. • If they don’t, confidence in the hypothesis is diminished.

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