Skepticism and Empiricism in Psychology An Introduction to Research Methodology

Agenda Attendance WebCT Update Intuition and Skepticism Research Methodology Introduction

Character Vignette Linda is 31 years old, single, outspoken, and very bright. She majored in philosophy. As a student she was deeply concerned with issues of discrimination and social justice, and also participated in anti- nuclear demonstrations.

Which Is More Likely? A.) Linda is a bank teller. or B.) Linda is a bank teller and is active in the feminist movement.

Critical Thinking

Common Cognitive Pitfalls Hindsight Bias “I knew it all along” effect. For example: Distance and Affection False Consensus We think most people share our attitudes and beliefs. For example: Controversial Issues Illusory Correlations Seeing a correlation where one either does not exist or is very limited. For example: Superstitions Confirmation Bias Perceiving and remembering information in a way that confirms previously held beliefs. For Example: News Coverage, Contradictory Information

The Importance of Critical Thinking Usually, intuition serves us well. But it is flawed. The answer: Skepticism and Critical Thinking These principles drive psychological research. What does it mean to be skeptical? Always trying to disprove theories. You cannot prove a theory. Can only support a theory.

Common Sense vs. Psychology Psychological issues are interesting to people Theories exist on almost everything. Supported = Common Sense Not Supported = Misguided For Example: Laypeople Theories of Love Love leads to happiness. Opposites attract. Arranged marriages are less satisfying. I can accurately predict how a breakup would feel.

The Experimental Method Theory A prediction or statement about the nature of events and processes. Can be grand or simple and specific Hypotheses Testable predictions concerning specific variables. Based on theory. Experimentation Testing the hypotheses. Conceptual and Operational Definitions

Francesco Redi’s Rotten Meat Research Question: Flies appear around rotting meat. Do the flies come FROM the meat? Theory? Rotting meat does not produce flies. Hypothesis? Exposed meat, not sealed meat, will be accompanied by flies. Experimentation? Two meaty jars – one sealed, one open. Watch.

The Experimental Method Replication Repeating the study to confirm findings and support theory Important part of scientific skepticism. Sampling Population – All the people in a group where the experimental sample is drawn. Group in which your conclusions will apply. Sample – Participants in a study Should be representative of the population.

Representative Sampling Larger samples are more representative e.g. drug studies. Statistics Random samples are more representative Every person in the population has an equal chance of participating in the study. Random samples in the real world.

Types of Research Descriptive Correlational Experimental