Scientific Method PSYA4

The Scientific Method

• Empirical methods rather than unsupported claims
• Objectivity (not accounted for researchers expectations) and control to ensure data is reliable
• Replicability verifies results
• Theory construction to predict events in the world.
• Hypothesis testing to modify theories cannot but proved but falsified
• Inductive (reasoning from particular to general) or deductive (reasoning from general to particular).

Evaluation

• Scientific research is desirable.
• Psychology shares the goals of science, but may be just 'dressing up'
• Lack of objectivity and control e.g experimenter bias and demand characteristics
• Are goals of science appropriate? Nomothetic versus idiographic.
• Scientific methods havent work e.g treatments for mental illness
• Qualitive approach is reductionist- reduces complex phenomena to simple ones
• And determinist- searches for causal relationships.

Peer Review

• Used in research funding, scientific journals and university departments.
• Research published on the internet requires new solutions.
• Protects against fraud (examples Burt and Hauser)

Evaluation

• There isnt always an expert available
• Anonymity allows honesty and objectivity or may permit dishonesty
• Publication bias favours positive results
• May lead to preservation of status quo
• Cant remove flawed research from public record