SocSci 220

Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Intuition, experience, observation, authority, scientific method, rationalism, tenacity, and empiricism.

Intuition (Benefits and Drawbacks)

Benefit: quick decision making; Drawback: prone to biases.

Authority (Benefits and Drawbacks)

Benefit: easy access to information; Drawback: may not always be reliable, info can be outdated.

Rationalism (Benefits and Drawbacks)

Benefit: structured approach; Drawback: can rely on invalid premises.

Empiricism (Benefits and Drawbacks)

Benefit: grounded in real world data; Drawback: subject to personal biases.

Scientific Method (Benefits and Drawbacks)

Benefit: most reliable method; Drawback: can be complex to design experiments.

Definition of Science

A systematic approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Features of Science

Empirical Evidence, Reproducibility, Testability, Falsifiability, Objectivity, Systematic Approach, Provisional Nature, Quantification, Predictability, and Universal Application.

Pseudoscience

A body of knowledge or practices that claim to be scientific but lack empirical evidence. (Ex. Astrology)

Goals of Science

Achieve Description, Explanation, Prediction, Control, Understanding, Improvement of Human Life, and Communication.

Basic Research

Focuses on expanding knowledge and understanding fundamental principles without immediate concern for practical applications.

Applied Research

Aims to solve specific practical problems by applying existing knowledge.

Quantitative Research

Research that focuses on quantifying relationships or phenomena.

Qualitative Research

Research that focuses on understanding the meaning and experiences behind relationships or phenomena.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts that ease the cognitive load of making decisions.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs.

General Model of Scientific Research

A framework consisting of various parts that guide scientific inquiry.

Common Sources of Inspiration for Research Ideas

Observations, theories, past research, and societal needs.

Reviewing Research Questions

Questions related to the effectiveness, relevance, and methodology of existing studies.

Common Professional Publications

Journals, conference proceedings, and books that disseminate research findings.

Double-Blind Peer Review

A process where both the authors and reviewers are unaware of each other's identities to ensure objectivity.

Search Engines and Databases

Resources like Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO for finding research articles.

Empirically Testable

Concepts or hypotheses that can be tested through observation or experimentation.

Generating Good Research Questions

Questions should be interesting, feasible, and relevant.

Evaluating Research Questions

Consider criteria such as interestingness and feasibility.

Theory vs Hypothesis

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation, while a hypothesis is a testable prediction.

Types of Variables

Independent variables (manipulated), dependent variables (measured), and control variables.

Basics of Sampling

The process of selecting a subset from a population for research purposes.

Validity

The degree to which a study measures what it intends to measure.

Reliability

The degree to which a research method produces stable and consistent results.

Basic Descriptive Statistics

Statistics that summarize and describe the main features of a data set.

Correlation Coefficients

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two variables fluctuate together.

Concept of Significance

In statistics, significance refers to the likelihood that a result is not due to chance.

Questions in Drawing Conclusions

Consider relationships, causations, and the implications of research findings.

Methods for Reporting Results

Including publications, presentations, and summaries in various formats.

Weighing Risks and Benefits

Evaluating the potential positive and negative outcomes of a decision or action.

Acting Responsibly with Integrity

Conducting research ethically and honestly.

Seeking Justice

Ensuring fairness and equity in research practices.

Respecting Rights and Dignity

Valuing the rights and dignity of research subjects.

Components of Ethics Codes

Standards that guide ethical conduct in research.

Informed Consent

The process of ensuring participants understand and agree to the terms of a study.

Deception in Research

Withholding information from participants or giving false information for research purposes.

Confidentiality

Ensuring that participants' information is kept private.

Debriefing

Providing participants with complete information about the study after it is completed.

Issues Related to Nonhuman Subjects

Ethical considerations regarding the treatment of animals in research.

Methods for Putting Ethics into Practice

Strategies to ensure that ethical standards are maintained in research.