The Scientific Method in Psychology

This flashcard set covers the definition and steps of the scientific method as applied to psychology, including the distinction between testable science and non-testable fields.

Scientific Method

A systematic way to question whether a subject is true, learn more about it, and draw conclusions through five main steps.

Step 1 of the Scientific Method

To describe and define the specific issue to be studied, ensuring it is not too broad to handle.

Step 2 of the Scientific Method

To form a testable hypothesis that can be answered with a "yes" or "no" through a study.

Testable Hypothesis

A specific prediction or question that can be proven or disproven through an experiment, unlike fields such as philosophy or religion.

Step 3 of the Scientific Method

To choose an appropriate research strategy, such as an observational study, that aligns with the goals of the researcher.

Naturalistic Observation

A research strategy where the experimenter observes and counts behaviors in their natural setting while remaining subtle to avoid changing those behaviors.

Step 4 of the Scientific Method

To conduct the study to test the hypothesis, which involves the actual recording, observing, and counting of data.

Step 5 of the Scientific Method

To analyze the data using statistics in order to support or reject the initial hypothesis.

Support or Reject

The process of determining if the evidence found during a study matches the hypothesis (support) or if it proves the hypothesis was wrong (reject).

Statistics

The mathematical tools used to analyze collected numbers and data to draw conclusions in a scientific field.