The Empirical Method

What is the empirical method?

Involves using scientific methods to collect data (quantitative data only) in ways which are controlled by the researcher and which are replicable

What does the empirical method mean?

Empirical methods just means gathering knowledge through direct, systematic observation or experience

What does it mean for lab studies to be hypothetic-deductive?

• Lab experiments are hypothetico-deductive as they involve:

  • controlled conditions

  • the manipulation of an IV

  • a replicable procedure

  • the generation of quantitative data that is easy to compare and analyse

How is the observational method empirical?

• The observational method is empirical as it is based on direct observation of behaviour as proposed by the behaviourists e.g.

  • Pavlov's original research into classical conditioning

  • Watson & Rayner's (1920) systematicconditioning of a phobia in an infant ('Little Albert')

What cannot claim to be empirical?

• Methods which depend on individual subjective experience could not claim to be empirical e.g.

  • interviews depend on first-person narratives involving opinions, attitudes, feelings etc.

  • case studies generally use a range of qualitativemethods such as interviews, and naturalistic observations in which there is no attempt to exert control on the procedure