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The Scientific Method - Coggle Diagram
The Scientific Method
Method
- Observation
- Theory
- Hypothesis
- Test hypothesis - Experiment
- Refine theory
- Disseminate findings - Replicate study (reliability), modify theory
Qualitative method:
Text-based data, descriptive, emphasis on meaning
Quantitative method:
Numerical data, measurement, emphasis on behaviour
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Strengths
- Empirical verification:
Numerical data (quant data) used to support/refute claims, results verified by others
- Falsifiable + modifying hypotheses:
Alternate explanations for behaviour/phenomena
- Validity:
Constantly checking to ensure researcher measuring what they set out to measure
- Reliability:
Checks accuracy + precision of judgements/conclusions
Limitations
Is psych really a science?
- Psych is about individual experiences - subjective to everyone
- Unable to capture richness of unique experiences from different people
- E.g. Humanistic Psych - in-depth, holistic view of person, rejects scientific approach
Reductionist/atomist
- Views causes of behaviour due to one specific component (e.g. biological reductionism)
- Dehumanising
Determinist
- Views behaviour is predictable
- No aspect of free will
Problems with objectivity
- Can't observe behaviour completely objectively
- Researchers are humans + are observing other humans - bias in how they view behaviour
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