1. Skepticism and Empiricism in Psychology
An Introduction to Research Methodology

2. Agenda Attendance WebCT Update Intuition and Skepticism
Research Methodology Introduction

3. 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.

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

5. Critical Thinking

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Types of Research
Descriptive
Correlational
Experimental