Psych- Scientific Reasoning and Statistics (2)

induction

Drawing general conclusions from many individual observations

Falsifiability

a feature of a scientific theory, in which it is possible to collect data that could prove the theory wrong

Fruitfulness

Does the theory generate new directions for future research?

simplicity

the simplest explanation is usually the best

scope

theory explains wide array of phenomena

Consistency

theory has few exceptions and coincides with other theories

accuracy

explanation matches real world observations

Pseudoscience

Beliefs or practices that are presented as being scientific, or which are mistaken for being scientific, but which are not scientific (e.g., astrology)

Karl Popper

proposed heavy use of falsifiability- explore all possible explanations and disprove them so that only the truth remains

inductive reasoning

A type of logic in which inferences are based on a large number of specific observations.

deductive reasoning

reasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case (The sun rises every morning; therefore, the sun will rise on Tuesday morning.)

null hypothesis significance testing

In statistics, a test created to determine the probability that the data would yield the same result if there was no relationship between variables

A type I error

Rejecting null hypothesis when it is true

A type II error

failing to reject a false null hypothesis

probability values (p-values)

In statistics, the established threshold for determining whether a given value occurs by chance.
Ex. p < .05 means that the same result would only occur 5 times out of 100

Thomas Kuhn

argues that science is social and not truly objective. People's values influence it

Levels of Analysis in Psychology

Biological, Cognitive, Behavioral, Sociocultural

Causality

cause and effect relationship

generalize

extending conclusions to other situations outside study