Research Design textbook Chapter 1

Pizzagate

A conspiracy theory involving a child sex ring in a D.C. pizzeria, which led to real-life violence including Edgar Maddison Welch attempting to rescue children with an assault rifle.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs.

Empirical

Based on objective evidence and analysis, as opposed to theory or belief.

Basic Research

Research conducted to acquire general information about a phenomenon without immediate concern for practical applications.

Applied Research

Research directed toward solving real-world problems, often influenced by theoretical considerations.

Belief Perseverance

The tendency to hold on to one’s beliefs even when confronted with contradictory evidence.

Pseudoexplanation

An explanation that simply relabels a phenomenon without providing true understanding or insight into it.

Scientific Explanation

An explanation based on accepted scientific methods that is empirical, rational, testable, parsimonious, general, tentative, and rigorously evaluated.

Rational Method

A method of inquiry that involves developing explanations through deductive reasoning, often starting from skeptical assumptions.

Pilot Study

A small preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility, time, cost, risk, and adverse events involved in a research project.

Science

A systematic endeavor that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe, relying on empirical evidence.

NGSS Practices of Scientists and Engineers

Behaviors and skills scientists and engineers utilize, such as asking questions, developing models, planning investigations, analyzing data, and constructing explanations, to build knowledge and design solutions.

Systematic Observations

Observations made in a structured, planned, and unbiased manner, often involving specific criteria and methods for data collection.

Scientist

An individual who conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field, often using systematic observations and empirical methods.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior, using empirical methods to understand individuals and groups.

Research

A systematic investigation to establish facts, principles, or test hypotheses, often involving the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.