Methodology 1

METHODOLOGY IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Chapter 1: Understanding Scientific Research

  • Author: M. Aylin Dudurga

Page 1

Introduction to Scientific Research

  • Overview of the research methodologies in psychology.

Page 2

Introduction to Scientific Research

  • Distinction between non-science, science, and pseudoscience.

Page 3

Science

  • Traditional Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

    • Assumptions in Science

      • Uniformity: Nature exhibits regular patterns.

      • Reality: An objective reality exists that scientists can investigate.

      • Discoverability: Regularities can be uncovered through research.

  • Characteristics of Science

    • Control, logic, objectivity, empiricism, and the role of curiosity are essential.

  • Objectives of Science

    • Description, explanation, prediction, and control of phenomena.

Page 4

Traditional Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

  • Intuition

    • Gaining direct knowledge without logic.

  • Authority

    • Acceptance of knowledge from respected figures.

  • Rationalism

    • Knowledge gained through reasoning (Rene Descartes).

  • Empiricism

    • Knowledge based on experience (John Locke & David Hume).

Page 5

Science

  • A systematic approach to knowledge that uses various methods.

  • Methods include:

    • Induction: General principles from specific observations.

    • Deduction: Specific predictions based on general principles.

    • Hypothesis Testing: Logical positivism and falsificationism.

    • Naturalism: Study of knowledge through normal and revolutionary paradigms.

Page 6

Assumptions in Science

  • Uniformity in Nature

    • Science finds regularities; includes determinism and probabilistic causes.

  • Reality in Nature

    • Scientists pursue knowledge of an underlying reality.

  • Discoverability

    • Belief that reality and regularities exist and can be discovered, necessitating piecing together knowledge.

Page 7

Characteristics of Science

  • Control

    • Elimination of extraneous variables for clear cause-effect relationships.

    • Example: Placebo effect.

  • Operationalism

    • Defining concepts through operational definitions and multiple representations.

  • Replication

    • Reproducing study results; importance of meta-analysis for variable relationships.

Page 8

Role of Theory

  • Theory

    • Explained mechanisms and processes.

  • Logic of Discovery

    • Inductive reasoning in science.

  • Logic of Justification

    • Deductive reasoning for testing theories.

Page 9

Role of Scientist

  • Curiosity

    • Investigating key questions in research.

  • Patience

    • Long-term dedication required for research.

  • Objectivity

    • Minimizing bias in research execution.

  • Change

    • Adaptation to new findings and techniques in science.

Page 10

Objectives of Scientific Research

  • Descriptions

    • Depicting situations or phenomena accurately.

  • Explanations

    • Identifying causes of observed phenomena.

  • Predictions

    • Anticipating future occurrences based on data.

  • Control/Influence

    • Utilizing comparison groups and controlling variables to measure effects on behavior.

Page 11

Pseudoscience

  • Pseudoscience Defined

    • Beliefs or practices that falsely present themselves as scientific.

    • Common examples: astrology and fortune-telling.

  • Strategies in Pseudoscience

    • Development of ad hoc hypotheses and reliance on anecdotal evidence.

    • Lack of rigorous testing and absent links to scientific disciplines.