Unit 10 Question 1 Scientific methodology is crucial as it provides an unbiased view of the world and refines knowledge. Across all scientific disciplines, the major precepts of the scientific method are verifiability, predictability, falsifiability, and fairness. The scientific method was first outlined by Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626) and allows for logical, rational problem solving across many scientific fields (Boundless, 2017). The Scientific method Psychologists use the scientific method to perform their research. The scientific method is a consistent way of making observations, forming theories, gathering data, testing predictions, and interpreting results. Researchers make observations to describe and measure behaviour. After witnessing …show more content…
Data is gathered from a variety of sources and by using several different methods. For an extended period of time, research may continue, so processes and developments can be studied as they happen. The advantages of using a case study is it provides detailed information, provides insight for further research and permits investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations. Case studies are often used in fact-finding research. They can help us create new ideas (that might be tested by other methods). They are an essential way of proving theories and can help show how different characteristics of a person's life are associated with each other. The limitations of using case studies as a research method would be you cannot generalize the results to the broader population, researchers' own feelings may influence the case study (researcher bias), it is very hard to replicate and it is time consuming (McLeod, S. A. …show more content…
In an experiment, an independent variable is used and the dependent variable (the effect) is measured; any unimportant variables are controlled. An advantage is that experiments should be impartial and the views and opinions of the researcher should not affect the results of a study. This is good as it makes the data more valid. It is also easier to replicate as a standardised procedure is used. A couple of the limitations of this method are that the artificiality of the setting may produce unnatural behaviour that does not reflect real life. This means it would not be possible to generalize the findings to a real-life setting, also demand characteristics or experimenter effects may bias the results and led to confusing variables (Simplypsychology.org,
The laboratory experiment gives the experimenter a greater chance to control the conditions and enables you to measure behaviour with greater precision. This method also allows for quantative research and also enables greater control of variables. Although it gives the experimenter greater control, this can also seem daunting to the subject who may feel more uncomfortable and is less likely to ...
There are many different factors to consider that play a part in experimental procedures. Without these variables, researchers would have a hard time making a claim about a particular topic, because they did not consider all sides of the experiment. An example of the variations done in experiments can be seen throughout Solomon Asch’s “Opinions and Social Pressure,”
Historically, the scientific method has not been used too often and this is also the case of the Victorian era, that is, until John Snow found the way in which to eliminate the cholera problem through the use of the scientific method. The usefulness of the scientific method in both historical contexts, in the past and contemporary world, comes from the fact that it is essentially a template that guides a researcher through a transparent process that is chronologically correct which means that the process of proving or disproving an idea becomes logical. We see the scientific method being used in psychology in the form of research methods which including things like researchers paying a lot of attention to sample sizes, validity, reflexivity and the use of statistics in determining the accuracy and reliability of a hypothesis. Interestingly enough, even though psychology is a relatively new field, the scientific method has been adopted quickly and effortlessly as it is extremely efficient in proving the usefulness and accuracy of a researchers
The scientific method is how psychologists gain knowledge about the mind and behavior. It is used by all scientists. The experimental method is the one way to engage the scientific method, and the only way to find a cause and effect in relationships. It is summarized in five steps, observing some phenomenon in the world, forming a hypothesis which is an educated prediction about relationships between two or more variables, examining the gathered information by using empirical research, determining what the results are and drawing them, and evaluating the results whether it will support the hypothesis or not. Researchers, at the end, submit their work for publication for all to see and read (King, 2016). There are three types of psychological research in the scientific method, descriptive research, correlation, and experimental research (King, 2016). The article The Effects of Negative Body Talk in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of College Students (Katrevich, Register, & Aruguete, 2014) is an example of the experimental method.
Science is a way of approaching the world, knowing why and how things around us are occurring. The scientific method allows scientists to be precise and focused. Through that medium, they can determine which hypotheses are consistently supported such that they become theories and which need more modification or rejection. This type of knowing can be tested and quantified. Scientists strive to make their observations as objective as possible, to be devoid of human interest. Scientists try to control all the variables ...
According to our book “anecdotes are first- or secondhand reports of personal experiences. They can include specific information about measures of learning, such as the number of errors made, but they are more often less specific” (Chance, 2014). And case study “examines a particular individual in considerable detail” (Chance, 2014). Last is experimental study “ is a study in which a researcher manipulates one or more variables (literally, things that vary) and measures the effects of this manipulation on one or more other variables” (Chance, 2014). The pros of experiment study is “control over variables, easy determination of cause and effect relationship, better results” (2014, Advantage and Disadvantage of Experimental Research). And the cons of experiment study is “failure to do experiement, creates artificial situations and subject to human error. (2014, Advantage and Disadvantage of Experimental Research). And the kind of experiment that statistical analysis is least likely to be necessary is anecdotes because they are personal experience and personal experience can be made up or not
In order to have a successful, reliable experiment you need sufficient data and evidence, reliable research, variables to test and a follow – up experiment. There are several types of variables you need to do an experiment. An independent variable is the manipulated experimental factor that is changed to see what the effects are. A dependent variable is the outcome. This factor can change in an experiment in reaction to the changes in the independent variable. An experimental group is the group of participants that are exposed to the change that the independent variable represents. The control group is participants who are treated in the same way as the experimental group except for the manipulated factor which is the independent variable (King 24). Proper data, evidence and research is also needed so the experiment turns out correctly and you know what you are testing. A follow – up experiment is not required, however it helps the validity of the conclusion of the experiment. Validity is “the soundness of the conclusions that a researcher draws from an experiment” (King 25). Conducting a follow – up experiment will help researchers and people alike see if the experiment worked properly, continues to help people and see how participants are doing after the experiment is over.
The Scientific Method is the standardized procedure that scientists are supposed to follow when conducting experiments, in order to try to construct a reliable, consistent, and non-arbitrary representation of our surroundings. To follow the Scientific Method is to stick very tightly to a order of experimentation. First, the scientist must observe the phenomenon of interest. Next, the scientist must propose a hypothesis, or idea in which the experiments will be based around. Then, through repeated experimentation, the hypothesis can either be proven false or become a theory. If the hypothesis is proven to be false, the scientist must reformulate his or her ideas and come up with another hypothesis, and the experimentation begins again. This process is to be repeated until a theory is produced. The production of a theory is usually called the conclusion. After considerable testing of the theory, it may become what is known as a law, but laws are only formed in very rare occasions where the theory can be proven without a doubt, which is usually done through induction.
The scientific method is the analyzation of evidence, to examine a case from every angle possible, to not give up on an investigation until all of the angles are covered and to not allow personal emotions create a bias in their mind (Osterburg 2010). A scientific method example would be when an investigator arrives to a crime scene, they would first search the area for clues and see if something doesn’t seem right. Next they would have to search for different forms of evidence, most important would be trace evidence because it can provide DNA evidence which can also link a suspect to the crime. There are many more ways evidence and other clues can be harvested from a crime scene but it is up to the investigator to use their knowledge and help find the person responsible for the crime
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior. In psychology, and all of the other sciences, relying on opinions is abandoned in order to find out which explanations best fit the evidence or data given. Science continually forces us to question our findings and conclusions. Over time, psychology has advanced greatly and a main reason for such progressiveness is because of the change in the research model used.
What is a case study? A case study is a process or record of research in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time. There is many different types of cases; rape, robbery, arson, kidnapping and finally murder. Case studies lead to trials;a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings. One famous case study that went to trial was Jodi Arias Trial. Her case was her getting convicted of brutally murdering her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander.
In order to be considered a science, Psychology must consequently adhere to using a scientific method. If this were, as usual, taken to mean the accumulation of knowledge through systematic observation or experimentation, Psychology would likely not have an issue in being recognised, however traditional views of a science mean most areas, with the exception of Behaviourism, would not be considered a science in their own right.
The first method to be discussed and analysed are experimental methods. There is a variety of experimental methods including; laboratory, field and natural experiments. These methods are the most scientific method due to them being highly objective and systematic. In addition, this method is regarded as the most powerful research method used in psychology because of the potential to investigate the causes of events and therefore, identifying the cause and effect relationship. When carrying out an experiment the researcher intervenes directly in the situation being investigated. The researcher manipulates an independent variable (IV) in order to investigate whether there is a change in the dependent variable (DV). Any other variables that could have an
A great deal of their research findings came from interviews with psychologically disturbed patients. Personality psychologists who opt for the clinical method of research regard their work as both a method of gathering information and testing hypothesis, as well as an opportunity to provide therapy and encourage healing. Therefore, the clinical method is very person oriented and allows for a more intimate study of the individual personality. Proponents of the experimental method are equally as dedicated to their methods of research. Not unlike clinical researchers, experimental researchers regard their methods as the best way of gathering information to support hypothesis regarding personality.
In today’s world science and technology has made human life difficult just because of its new inventions. Everyday many new technologies are been added to the list. People get addicted and they don’t know what they are giving up in return. However, these technologies are taking away the human’s ability to think quantitively. Defining human in today’s world means substituting technology for work and thinking that humans used to do. For instance, the ability to count, the memory to remember, the ability to learn through classrooms, and the ability to do things by hand.