September 11 2023 PSYC 217 L3: Scientific Method Learning Goals · Understand the fundamental tenets of science · Explain, differentiate between, and generate examples for various forms of logical reasoning · Properly interpret relations between data and hypotheses · Explain how the scientific method relates to critical thinking 4 Canons of Science [DEPT] 1. Determinism - assumption that the universe is orderly > Events occur due to some meaningful and systematic CAUSE > Foundation of research o The purpose of research is to figure out these principles (systematic causes) ? EX: Violence .. What factors/causes lead people to this? 2. Empiricism - Understand the world by making structured, systematic observations > Making such observations is the best way to figure out orderly principles 3. Parsimony - when two theories can explain the same set of empirical observations. > Preference = the simpler explanation o Why? forces scientists to make as few assumptions as possible > AKA Occam's Razor > EX: applicable to Freud's theories - lots of assumptions and logical leaps 4. Testability - Researchers should be able to put theories to empirical tests > Must be falsifiable! ? Possible to get data that says we are wrong o EX: theory of evolution Goals of Psychological Science > Describe behaviour > Predict behaviour > Determine causes of behaviour > Understand/Explain behaviour ? ^ Everything above is basic research > Apply knowledge to solve the problem 0 Applied research ? EX: Healthcare practices
GENERAL - SPECIFIC [DEDUCTION] \ Theories: overarching framework that explains phenomena and data > Allows for structure in observations > Generates hypotheses that test the boundaries of the theory > DE - leading away theory I Hypotheses: Based on the theory, a tentative statement about a relationship that may or may not be true I Predictions: specific statement regarding the expected outcome of a study SPECIFIC - GENERAL [INDUCTION] > Observation - hypothesis - theory/general expectation o Ob: every time I eat peanuts, my throat swells up · Noticing a series of events o Hyp: the next time I eat peanuts, my throat will closer up o theory : everytime ANYONE eats peanuts their throat will swell up o Leading in theory SPECIFIC - GENERAL [ABDUCTION] > Observation: patient presents w shortness of breath, headache, fatigue o Trying to figure out what happens? ? Search on WEBMD & try to rationalize which is the cause > The specific incident, what is the likeliest explanation out of all we know? > Not trying to create a theory or anything new > Illogical fallacy > Leading in absence of theory Example Study > Theory - human beh. is a function of their life experiences and exposure to stimuli in their environment o Builds on previous research > Hypothesis - After playing violent games rather than non-violent games, one will become more > aggressive even long after the game is over Video Games Study · Basic study design ? Methods · Participants chose M or W, 18-20 majorly · Play violent