BHS Methods in Behavioral Sciences I June 2, 2003 Chapter 8 (Stanovich) Converging Evidence

The Connectivity Principle  Critical experiments and theoretical advances may sometimes occur but progress in sciences operates on the principle of connectivity. New advances must not only explain new facts but also account for old ones. Explanatory power must be widened. Old and new theories contend until a new synthesis makes them all obsolete.  Beware of violations of connectivity.

Converging Evidence  No experiment in psychology is perfectly designed. No single experiment can establish a theory.  Psychology depends upon converging evidence – a preponderance of studies that establish a theory. This permits progress despite flaws in studies. Theories must be disconfirmed by converging evidence, not just confirmed by it.

Methods and Convergence  We should expect many different methods to be used in studying topics. Each method has strengths and weaknesses. Convergence across methods strengthens a theory.  Convergence across settings is important: Naturalistic observation vs lab experiments. Maintaining a balance in psychology is needed.

Conference Presentations  Useful for communicating work in progress. Feedback from peers before formal publication permits addressing potential criticisms. Knowledge of new findings can guide other researchers’ work in progress.  Forums for exchanging ideas and making contacts. Science is collaborative not competitive.

Kinds of Presentations  Invited talks – 1 hr long, made by senior researchers, summarize a career’s work.  Panels – several researchers all working on a similar topic: minutes, present empirical studies Moderated, discussant clarifies points of controversy.  Posters – present detailed research, author is present to explain & interact with peers.

Posters  Keep it simple. Use large type font.  Follow the same format as a research report (APA-style paper).  Illustrate with pictures of stimuli, graphs, tables.  Be able to explain everything appearing on the poster, either briefly or in detail.

Short Talks  You will typically only have minutes plus 5 minutes for questions.  Follow the same outline as the APA-style report, but with less detail.  Keep overheads uncluttered, simple, with large type.  If someone asks a question you cannot answer, admit it – don’t fake it.