Psyc 321_01 what is science
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like464 views
This document discusses different aspects of science as a way of knowing. It explains that science involves observing phenomena to develop facts, and emphasizes doubt and questioning existing beliefs. While science is a powerful way to evaluate knowledge, it also discusses other ways of knowing like tenacity, authority, reason, and common sense. The document then outlines different scientific approaches like naturalistic observation, correlation, experimentation, post-hoc analysis, and qualitative and quantitative methods. Overall, it provides an overview of what science is and different methodologies used.
Psyc 321_01 what is science
- 1. Developmental Research Methods Topic 1: What is science? 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 1
- 2. What is science? Science is something that is done Science is something that explores the unknown through experiencing it. Doubt is a key component in science. Question the existing wisdom or ‘common sense’ to discover truth or falsehoods. There are many ways to ‘do science’. But all consist of observing something to develop ‘facts’. 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 2
- 3. Ways of knowing Science is a way of knowing But it is not necessarily the best way, and it is definitely not the ONLY way of knowing (about our world) Arts, philosophy, religion, etc. these are other ways of knowing. But science offers a powerful way to evaluate the knowledge – it can be determined if something is correct or not – unlike other ways. 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 3
- 4. Other ways of knowing Tenacity Acceptance of a belief based on the idea that ‘it has always been this way’ “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” The statements have not been tested No way to correct them if they are wrong Authority An authority figure tells you what to do or believe. This can be beneficial in some instances. But what if the authority figure is wrong? Reason Logic, mental reasoning. Reason does not always produce the correct answer. The assumption could be incorrect and the logic correct – thereby rendering the syllogism incorrect. Common sense Usually based on experience and perceptions. The problem with this is that we cannot be sure how ‘real’ those experiences and perceptions are. It can actually be a barrier to understanding (attributions) 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 4
- 5. Science – as a way of knowing Over time we have developed a set of rules that give us reliable and valid information about problems or events in the world. Empiricism Knowing through experience Science is rooted in this. The key is to science with regard to empiricism is that it is any sensory experience that can be detected no only by the experimentor, but by anyone else! So, part of the key here is replication of findings by others. 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 5
- 6. Pseudoscience & Superstition Why do many buildings not have a 13th floor? Why do black cats arouse us? We look for supporting evidence of superstitions. Pseudoscience – false science ◦ Mass media ◦ Advertising ◦ testimonials 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 6
- 7. Approaches to science • When a problem or phenomenon is new – we often just watch it. – In a natural setting. – Naturalistic observation. – Jane Goodall – Robert Sapolsky. • Correlational method – When we want to learn more about a system, but still not control it. –We can observe multiple events, simultaneously. –We are looking for relations, not causes here. • Experimental manipulation – Controlling variables and manipulating one, measuring the effects of that manipulation. 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 7
- 8. More approaches Post-hoc method ◦ Studying things AFTER THE FACT. ◦ Astronomers, paleontology, clinical psychologists Qualitative methods ◦ Studying the subject state of a person ◦ Advertising study example Quantitative methods ◦ The focus is on observable behavior. ◦ Things are not inferred – they are counted and observed. ◦ This will be the focus of this class (primarily) 10/1/2014 CEDP 321/322 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 8