Overview of Scientific Method (2)
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Overview of the Scientific Method
The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry used to investigate phenomena.
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Key Components of the Scientific Method
Exploratory Research: Initial investigation for generating ideas.
Confirmatory Research: Testing hypotheses derived from previous research.
Inductive Reasoning: Forming generalizations based on observations.
Deductive Reasoning: Testing hypotheses derived logically from theories.
Theory: A set of principles explaining phenomena.
Forming Concepts: Developing theoretical propositions and deducing consequences.
Empirical Hypotheses: Testable, observable predictions.
Generalizations and Retesting: Drawing broader conclusions from specific evidence and revisiting hypotheses based on new data.
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Finding a Research Topic
Reference to economic shifts affecting male participation in the labor force.
Article from The Wall Street Journal highlighting a significant decrease in working-age men engaged in the workforce.
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Importance of Research Literature
Investigating existing literature helps:
Determine if a research question has been answered.
Evaluate the significance of the question.
Generate ideas for conducting studies.
Position one's study within existing research.
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Graphical Data on Labor Force Participation
Figure 2: Male and Female Labor Force Participation by Age
Data shows participation rates segmented by gender and age range.
The chart illustrates the percentage of inactive men related to job types.
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Advanced Research Concepts
Introduction to the Riemann-Christoffel tensor and its applications.
Discussion on tensors and their mathematical implications for theories in physics and mathematics.
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Review Article on Sexual Selection Theory
Summary of the role of mathematical models in understanding sexual selection.
Various modeling frameworks are addressed, showing interdisciplinary connections in ecological and evolutionary studies.
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Meta-Analysis Overview
Examines all-cause and cardiovascular mortality concerning caffeine intake.
Displays non-linear relationships through graphical representation.
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Research Questions Framework
Suggested considerations when formulating research questions:
Causes and effects of behaviors/characteristics.
Variability of behaviors across different demographics.
Definitions and measurements of variables.
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Employment Trends Analysis
Figure 3: Percent Change in Employment Shares by Occupation Group
Numerical data illustrating shifts in employment rates across various job categories over time.
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Criteria for Research Interest
Evaluation factors: Interestingness, Importance, Feasibility related to potential research topics.
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Hypothetico-Deductive Method
Process includes:
Observations and Practical Problems.
Development of Theories and Hypotheses.
Empirical evaluation of hypotheses through research and analysis.
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Definition and Examples of Theories
Theories as coherent principles explaining phenomena across fields:
Example: Theory of Evolution in biology.
Example: Utilitarianism in philosophy focusing on greatest happiness.
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Characteristics of Scientific Theories
Science vs Folk theories; Specific example: the halo effect in psychology illustrating judgments based on perceived abilities.
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Key Terms: Hypotheses
Hypotheses defined as testable predictions, framed mostly in an "if-then" format; examples of hypotheses provided.
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Key Terms: Scope Conditions
Scope Conditions explain boundaries of applicability for theories; examples showing practical implications in studies of psychological effects.
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Definition of Hypothesis
Hypotheses as specific predictions about new phenomena, linking closely to existing theories.
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Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis
Testable and Falsifiable: Capable of being confirmed or disproved.
Logical: Based on sound reasoning from prior theories.
Positive: Asserts existence of a relationship rather than denying one.
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Variables in Experiments
Independent Variable: The factor manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent Variable: Outcome measured to see if it is affected by the independent variable; considered the response.
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Confounding Variables
Definition and example of confounding variables impacting experimental results, emphasizing need for their control.
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Examples of Confounding Variables
Enumerates various potential confounding factors across diverse topics like health and behavior.
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Overall Overview of the Scientific Method
Recap of categories, terms, and structures comprising the scientific method.
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Citation on Consumer Product Analysis
Mention of a specific product and its marketing advantages based on scientific claims of efficacy.
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Research Method Suggestion
Proposal of conducting cohort studies with controlled groups for comparative analysis of pet diets.
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Positive Outcomes of Controlled Diet
Listed benefits observed across a cohort of cats, emphasizing health and behavior improvements.
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Basic Research Method Types
Descriptive Methods: Include case studies, surveys, and observations to describe scenarios.
Correlational Methods: Focus on relationships between variables to ascertain connections.
Experimental Methods: Offer the strongest means to establish causation in psychological research.