Introduction to Research Methods

Definition of psychology

‘the science of mental life’

looks at the basis and impact of mental states and processes

What is science?

1. determinism and discoverability

2. systematic observations

3. produces public (verifiable) knowledge

4. produces data-based conclusions

5. produces tentative conclusions

6. develops falsifiable theories

7. asking empirical questions

determinism and discoverability

assumes all events have causes and these can be discovered

probabilistic determinism - events can be predicted but not with 100% certainty

Rudolph Carnap (1928) - ‘without causal regularity it is not ossicle to make a free choice at all. a choice involves a deliberate preference of one course of action over another’

Systematic observations

using precise definitions, reliable and valid measuring tools, accepted methodology and logic

Produces public knowledge

should be verifiable by two or more observers and able to be replicated

Produces data-based conclusions

no opinions

Sir Francis Galton (1872) - ‘A scientific reasoner will scrutinise each experience before he admits it as evidence and will compare all cases on a methodical system’

Produces tentative conclusions

not fixed or certain

Antonio Damasio (1994) - ‘i have a difficult time seeing scientific results as anything but provisional approximations, to be enjoyed for a while then discarded as better accounts become available’

Asks answerable questions

can be answered with data

is operationalised (vocabulary used is clear and specific)

able to be easily replicated by other researchers

Develops theories that can be falsifiable

can be supported or not supported by data

What are the goals of good research?

1. description

2. prediction

3. explanation

4. application

Qualities of good research

1. reliability - confidence that finding can be reproduced

2. validity - appropriate interpretation

3. public - using peer review process

4. cumulative - built on existing knowledge

5. parsimonious - simplistic most effective explanation of the fact

Definition of theory

a set of statements summarising and realising knowledge in the form of relationships between variables

theories never become facts, they instead explain facts

Other ways of developing research

1. observation

2. serendipity - occurrence of events by chance in a benificial way

3. everyday problems - applied psychology

4. replication and extension

5. from other research