PSY 2174 - Research Fallacies and Validity

Flashcards covering key concepts in research methods, focusing on fallacies, validity types, and philosophical underpinnings.

Fallacy

An error in reasoning based on mistaken assumptions.

Ecological Fallacy

A conclusion about an individual drawn from group data analysis.

Exception Fallacy

A conclusion about a group based on an individual or exception.

Inductive Reasoning

A reasoning method that is exploratory, starting with observations to derive general conclusions.

Deductive Reasoning

A reasoning method that starts with a theory to derive specific predictions or hypotheses.

Validity

The best available approximation to the truth of a given proposition, inference, or conclusion.

Internal Validity

Determines if a relationship is causal, considering potential confounding variables.

External Validity

Refers to the generalizability of findings beyond the studied sample.

Construct Validity

Checks if the measurement truly reflects the theoretical constructs intended.

Conclusion Validity

Assess whether there is a relationship between the cause and effect.

Positivism

The belief that science aims to uncover truths through observable phenomena.

Post-Positivism

Acknowledges the pursuit of truth in science while recognizing the limitations and biases present in observations.

Ontology

The study of what exists.

Epistemology

The study of how we know what exists.

Methodology

The systematic approach of conducting research to build knowledge.