1. Do Now
What are the benefits to using the scientific method when trying to prove a point or solve a problem?

2. Unit 2 : Research Methods
The Need for Psychological Science

3. Problems We Encounter Hindsight bias Overconfidence
Aka “I knew it all along phenomenon”
To some extent, we seek answers that support of beliefs
EX: After hearing the answer you said you knew the answer
EX: When you found out the dress was blue and black rather than white and gold you said you knew it was black and blue
Overconfidence
We tend to be overconfident – What does this mean? Examples?
We think we know more than we do
Hindsight bias + overconfidence = overestimate our intuition
Scientific inquiry can help us sift reality from illusion

4. Little Practice
Our errors explain why we need psychological research. Let’s take a look at some claims and see if you can get the right answers
On the next slide will be a series of questions. Record your answers…somewhere

6. ANSWERS
1 – F
2 – T
3 – F
4 – T
5 – F
6 – T
7 – F
8 – T
9 – F
10 – T

7. The Scientific Attitude
Three main components
Curious eagerness
Want to know info
Skeptically scrutinize competing ideas
Welcome contradicting ideas
Open-minded humility before nature
Know that you too can make mistakes
Scientists have big egos and may cling to their ideas despite contradicting evidence

8. Critical Thinking
The scientific attitude prepares us to think smarter and engage in critical thinking
Critical Thinking
“Smart thinking”
Four elements
Examines assumptions
Discerns hidden values
Evaluates evidence
Assesses conclusions
EX: comparing different psychological perspectives when trying to understand someone’s behavior

9. Today
Questions?
HW = How do Psychologists Ask and Answer Questions PART 1 – Research Methods