The Scientific Method in Psychology

What is the Scientific Method?

The scientific method is a systematic approach to understanding the natural world that involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and refining theories based on data.

What are Observations?

Observations refer to measurable facts and information collected from the environment that form the basis for scientific inquiry and explanation of phenomena.

What are Explanations/Theories?

Explanations, or theories, are coherent frameworks that integrate and interpret multiple observations, providing a logical understanding of the relationships among them.

What are Hypotheses?

Hypotheses are specific, testable predictions that logically derive from a theory, outlining anticipated outcomes based on a scientific premise.

What are Testable Predictions?

Testable predictions are specific hypotheses produced by a theory that can be empirically evaluated through observation or experimentation.

What is Falsifiability?

Falsifiability is a critical feature of a valid scientific theory, where it must be possible to demonstrate that the theory can be proven wrong through empirical testing.

What is Provisional Acceptance?

Provisional acceptance occurs when a scientific theory is temporarily considered valid based on initial supportive evidence until further validation is acquired.

What does Refining Scientific Knowledge mean?

Refining scientific knowledge involves the iterative process of modifying a scientific theory based on new observations or evidence that either support or challenge it.

What is a Paradigm?

A paradigm is a foundational model or framework within a scientific discipline that encompasses key concepts, theories, and methodologies that guide research and interpretation.

What is the Clinical Practice Paradigm?

The clinical practice paradigm is one of the key frameworks in psychology, emphasizing the assessment and treatment of mental disorders to enhance individual well-being.

What is the Psychodynamic Paradigm?

The psychodynamic paradigm is based on Freudian theories that focus on unconscious psychological processes and the impact of past experiences on current behavior.

What is the Humanist Paradigm?

The humanist paradigm is a psychological approach that prioritizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent potential of individuals.

What is the Experimental Psychology Paradigm?

The experimental psychology paradigm is characterized by the application of the scientific method to conduct controlled experiments in psychological research.

What is the Behaviourist Paradigm?

The behaviourist paradigm concentrates on observable behavior and environmental factors, rejecting internal mental states as explanations for behavior.

What is Methodological Behaviourism?

Methodological behaviourism emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and their relationship with stimuli, rooted in the work of John B. Watson.

What is Radical Behaviourism?

Radical behaviourism, proposed by BF Skinner, suggests that all behavior, including internal thoughts and feelings, can be understood through external environmental influences.

What is the Cognitive Paradigm?

The cognitive paradigm asserts that mental processes, such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving, are central to psychology and can be studied scientifically.

What are Neural Correlates?

Neural correlates are biological mechanisms identified through neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and EEG, linked to specific cognitive activities and functions.

What is Behaviourism?

Behaviourism is a psychological perspective that focuses on observable behaviors and the influence of the environment, often minimizing the significance of internal mental states.

What are Cognitive Processes?

Cognitive processes refer to the mental activities involved in transforming sensory input into perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors.

What is Neural Activity?

Neural activity encompasses patterns of electrical and chemical responses in the brain associated with various cognitive functions and behaviors.

What is the Environment's Role in Behaviourism?

Behaviourism posits that human behavior is predominantly shaped by external environmental influences, which act as stimuli that elicit responses.

What are Freud’s Psychodynamic Theories?

Freud’s psychodynamic theories propose that human behavior is largely governed by unconscious motives and conflicts, often critiqued by behaviorists for lack of empirical support.

What is Subjective Experience?

Subjective experience refers to personal, internal mental events that behaviorists typically argue do not play a causal role in determining behavior.

What is a Causal Role?

The causal role denotes how a factor contributes to or influences a particular effect, particularly concerning the interaction between mental events and behavior in psychology.

What is the Success of Prediction in scientific theories?

Success of prediction indicates a theory’s ability to accurately forecast future observations or data; however, successful predictions alone do not confirm the validity of the theory.

What is Abandonment of Theory?

Abandonment of theory occurs when a scientific theory is rejected in favor of alternative explanations after its predictions fail upon testing.

What are Scientific Contributions?

Scientific contributions are recognized advancements within a discipline, assessed according to the standards and frameworks of the prevailing scientific paradigm.

What are Research Methodologies?

Research methodologies encompass the various strategies and techniques employed to systematically investigate research questions and hypotheses within a specific paradigm.

What is Understanding Phenomena in scientific paradigms?

Understanding phenomena is the overarching aim of scientific paradigms in psychology, offering comprehensive frameworks for exploring and explaining behaviors and mental processes.

What are Mathematical Models in Cognitive Psychology?

Mathematical models in cognitive psychology are sophisticated tools that quantitatively represent and analyze relationships between varying cognitive processes.

What is Psychological Research?

Psychological research is the scientific discipline dedicated to exploring the mind and behavior through systematic observation and experimental methods.