PSYC209 CH1

4 scientific cycles

1. Theory-data cycle 2. Basic-applied research cycle 3. Peer-review cycle 4. Journal-to-journalism cycle

interrogating information

A consumer of research needs to know how to ask right questions, determine the answers and evaluate a study on the basis of those answers.

Define falsifiable

A theory needs to lead to predictions that, when tested, could prove to be wrong and thus challenge the theory itself. Able to be proven false, and therefore testable; as, most religious beliefs are not falsifiable, and are therefor outside the scope of experimental science.

The principle of parsimony

Also called Occam's razor, maintains that researchers should apply the simplest explanation possible to any set of observations.

Research that is done specifically to add to our general understanding of psychology is called

Basic research

Applied Research

Done with a practical problem in mind (like a special mental illness); the researchers hope that their findings will be directly applied to the solution of that problem in a particular real-world context.

The approach of collecting data and using it to develop, support, and/or challenge a theory is called

Empiricism

Producers of research information

Example: Lab researcher Observe the behavior and write/present at research meeting

Consumer of research information

Example: counselor, family therapist Read about research so that they can later apply it to their work.

The relationship between hypotheses and theories

Hypotheses are a step taken to determine if a theory is accurate.

Basic Research

Not intended to address a specific, practical problem. The goal of basic research is simply to enhance the general body of knowledge.

"Occam's razor" states that the simplest solution is the best, all things being equal. This speaks to a theory's:

Parsimony

Peer-review cycle

Part of process of scientific communication. Scientists publish their research in journals, but first their papers are reviewed by experts in the field. Often this cycle leads scientists to sharpen their thinking and improve their communication.

Theory-data cycle

Scientists collect data to test, change or update their theories

Basic-applied research cycle

Some researchers work on applied, real world questions and other work for basic understanding.

The quality of journalists' coverage of a science story will depend on two factors:

The importance and accuracy of the story

Which of the scientific cycles is the most important cycle in science?

Theory-data cycle

What is the similarity of Producer and Consumer of research information?

They share a desire to ask, answer, and communicate interesting questions.

What does it mean to reason empirically?

To base one's conclusions on systematic observations. Psychologists know what they know because they have conducted studies.

Translational Research

When researchers conduct studies in which they are intentionally using lessons from basic research to develop and test applications to health care, therapy or other interventions. They are doing transitional research.

Journal-to-journalist cycle

Writers for the popular media try to translate scientific studies into everyday language. It takes time, training and effort to get the story straight and journalists do not always pull it off.