Chapter 1 - Psychology is a Way of Thinking

Empirical Studies/Empiricism

A type of research that relies on direct or indirect observation, measurement, and experimentation rather than on pure theory, speculation, or personal belief.

Consumers of Research

Individuals or organizations that utilize research findings to inform decisions, policies, or educational practices.

The Theory-Data Cycle

The process by which theories are tested and refined through data collection and analysis, leading to new questions and further investigation. One may start with a theory, create a research question, develop a hypothesis about it, preregister the study

Theory

A systematic explanation of phenomena based on tested principles and evidence. It serves to generate hypotheses and is substantiated by empirical data.

Research Question

A clear, focused inquiry aimed at addressing a specific problem or issue in research, guiding the direction of the study.

Research Design

The framework or blueprint for conducting a research study, outlining the methods and procedures used to collect and analyze data.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction derived from a theory, which can be supported or refuted through research and experimentation.

Preregistration

The practice of registering a research study's design, hypotheses, and analysis plans before conducting the research to promote transparency and reduce bias.

Data

Quantitative or qualitative information collected for analysis to support or refute a hypothesis.

Harlow’s Monkey Study

A psychological experiment that investigated attachment and bonding in rhesus monkeys, illustrating the importance of comfort and security over mere physiological needs.

A good theory is…

• Replicable

• Falsifiable

• Parsimonious

Replicable

Describes a study or experiment that can be repeated with the same methods to achieve similar results, ensuring reliability and validity in research.

Falsifiable

A characteristic of a hypothesis or theory that allows it to be proven false through evidence or experimentation.

Parsimonious

A principle stating that the simplest explanation, requiring the fewest assumptions, is often the best one for a given set of data or observations.

Basic Research

Research aimed at increasing fundamental knowledge without immediate practical applications. It often seeks to understand underlying principles and mechanisms.

Applied Research

Research conducted to solve specific, practical problems or to develop new technologies based on the findings of basic research.

Universalism

The principle that anyone, at any age, can participate in and produce “good” scientific research.

Communality

The principle that scientific knowledge is a collective endeavor, and findings should be shared openly among researchers.

Disinteredness

The principle that scientists should act for the benefit of a wider community rather than for personal gain or political sway, ensuring objectivity in research.

Organized Skepticism

The principle that scientific findings should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and critical evaluation by the scientific community before being accepted as valid.

Quantitative Data

Numerical information that can be measured and analyzed statistically, often represented in charts or graphs.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive information that characterizes qualities or attributes, often collected through interviews, surveys, or observations.

Peer Review

The process by which scientific work is evaluated by experts in the field before publication to ensure quality, validity, and contribution to the field.