Psychology as a Science

Key Learning Goals

• Explain the main assumptions of science and describe the goals of the scientific approach.

• Clarify the relationship between theory, hypotheses, and research.

• Outline the steps involved in a scientific investigation.

• Identify the advantages of the scientific approach.

2.1 Psychology as a Science

• Assumption of lawful order: The scientific approach assumes that events are governed by some lawful order, similar to gravity governing planetary movement.

• Behavior predictions: Human behavior, while complex, adheres to principles that can be uncovered and described through scientific methods.

2.1.1 Goals of the Scientific Approach

• Measurement and Description

  • Essential for psychologists to develop techniques to quantify behaviors.

  • Example: Measuring sociability to compare men and women's behaviors by exploring experiences and perceptions.

• Understanding and Prediction

  • True understanding comes from explaining reasons behind events.

  • Hypothesis: A tentative statement about the relationship between variables (e.g., time pressure affects time perception).

  • Variables: Measurable conditions that are either controlled or observed in a study.

  • Some research begins without a hypothesis, instead developing through exploring subjects' experiences.

• Application and Control

  • Research aims to apply findings practically to solve issues in various settings (e.g., schools, healthcare).

  • Example: Using math anxiety research to help students overcome fear related to subjects.

Theories in Science

• Role of Theories: Theories connect isolated facts and provide a framework for understanding behavior, guiding future research.

• Testable Theories: Theories must be testable and subject to revision based on empirical evidence. Confidence in a theory grows or diminishes based on whether hypotheses derived from it are supported by findings.

2.1.2 A Scientific Approach

• The scientific method in psychology aims to observe phenomena and collect data methodically to improve human life quality.

• Psychology is empirical, relying on direct observations rather than intuition.

Goals of Psychologists

1. Describe behaviors of people and animals.

2. Understand and explain causes of these behaviors.

3. Predict future behaviors under certain conditions.

4. Control behaviors by understanding their causes.

2.1.3 Steps in a Scientific Investigation

Step 1: Identify a Problem

• Start with a clear problem statement to guide the research, usually found in a research report's introduction.

Step 2: State the Rationale

• Provide motivation for why the problem is significant to study, advancing knowledge in the field.

Step 3: Develop a Research Question

• Create a focused and clear question that addresses the identified problem.

Step 4: Formulate a Hypothesis

• Develop a testable hypothesis, defining the relationship between variables.

• Operational definitions are crucial to clarify variables and their measurements.

Step 5: Develop a Research Design

• Create a step-by-step plan detailing how to empirically test the hypothesis, similar to a construction blueprint.

Step 6: Collect Data

• Gather information through varied techniques depending on the study focus (e.g., questionnaires, tests, interviews).

• Samples represent larger populations for validity.

Step 7: Analyze the Data

• Assess the collected data to answer the research question, being the most rewarding step of the investigation.

Step 8: Report the Results

• Publication is critical for sharing findings, regardless of whether hypotheses are accepted or rejected.

• Includes discussions of results, limitations, and recommendations for future research.

• Articles undergo a peer-review process to ensure validity and reliability before publication.

Advantages of the Scientific Approach

• Clarity and Precision: Scientific definitions enhance understanding and communication of concepts compared to ambiguous common-sense ideas.

• Intolerance of Error: The scientific method emphasizes critical evaluation of findings, relying on empirical data and reducing the risk of accepting unfounded beliefs.

• Scientific findings provide a more reliable basis for knowledge than casual observations.