Research Methods Unit 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, ways of knowing, canons of the scientific method, research classifications, and key terms from Chapter 1 study guide.

Intuition

A method of knowing information by relying on gut feelings or personal instinct without conscious reasoning.

Deduction

A method of knowing information through logical reasoning from established premises or general principles to specific conclusions.

Authority

A method of knowing information by accepting information as true because it comes from an expert or trusted source.

Observation

A method of knowing information by gaining knowledge through direct, systematic measurement or examination of the world.

Empiricism

A canon of the scientific method based on the assumption that systematic observation yields the most accurate and reliable information about the world.

Determinism

A canon of the scientific method based on the assumption that all phenomena (including human behavior) have identifiable, natural causes.

Parsimony

A canon of the scientific method stating the principle that simple explanations should be preferred over complex ones until evidence demands otherwise.

Testability

A canon of the scientific method stating the requirement that hypotheses or theories must be falsifiable and evaluate-able through empirical observation.

Basic Research

Research conducted primarily to expand knowledge and understand fundamental mechanisms of behavior or mental processes.

Applied Research

Research conducted directly to solve real-world problems or answer practical questions in everyday settings.

Scientific Method

A structured, systematic process for acquiring knowledge through observation, hypothesis formulation, and empirical testing.

Human Factors

A field of applied psychology focused on designing everyday products, technology, and environments to optimize safety and ease of use.

Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology

The application of psychological principles and research methods to workplace environments, employee productivity, and organization management.

Psychology

A scientific field that relies on the scientific method to observe, measure, and explain behaviors and mental processes.