Chapter 1

The scientific method

The scientific method

An abstract concept that refers to how questions are asked and the logicand methods used to gain answers

Important characteristics of the scientific method

Empirical approach & skeptical attitude

What is the scientific method used for?

Psychologists use it to seek answers to questions regarding behaviour, thoughts,and feelings

Science occurs in what context?

Historical, social-cultural, and moral context

Historical context

An empirical approach which relies on direct observation and experimentation for answeringquestions

Empirical approach

Emphasizes direct observation and experimentation as a way of answering questions

Social and cultural context

Influences researchers choice of topic, Society's acceptance of findings, and the locations in which research takes place ‘

Ethnocentric bias

Occurs when people's views of another culture are biased by the framework or lens of their own culture.

Moral context

Demands that researchers maintain the highest standards of ethical behaviour.

Multimethod approach

Flaws associated with any particular method are overcome by other method to fill in the gaps

Steps of Research process

Develop a a research question

Generate a research hypothesis

Form operational definitions

Choose a research design

Evaluate the ethics of your research

Collect and analyze data; form conclusion

Report research results

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation for a phenomenon.