RM wk 1

Introduction to Research
Methods
Dr. Cervantes

The Science of Psychology
 Psychology is a very broad subject that
covers:
 Human behavior
 Nonhuman behavior
 Physiological processes and structures related to
behavior
 Conceptual processes used to explain behavior
 A scientific approach is used in
Psychology to advance our knowledge of
the subject matter.

 It spans multiple levels of analysis
What is Psychology?

 Why do we examine research
methodology?
 How does the way we look at a question
impact the answers we get?
 What does it mean to empirically study
a question? How does this differ from
Introspection like that done by
Philosophers?

Scientific vs Non-scientific
Approaches
 Science isn’t a body of knowledge.
 It is a systematic approach to evidence.
 Empiricism = knowledge should be acquired
through observation
 Tested & revised as needed = the scientific
method!

What is scientific theory?
 An explanation for a large number of findings
in the natural world, including the
psychological world.
 Accounts for existing data AND
 Generates predictions
 A testable prediction is called a hypothesis.

Goals of Science
 Description of behavior
 Prediction of behavior
 Determining Causes of behavior
 Explanation of behavior

Determination of Cause
 Temporal precedence
 cause  event
 Co-variation of cause and effect
 cause => event > cause ≠> event
 Alternative explanations have been
eliminated.

Types of Research
 Basic Research
 Theoretical
 Applied Research
 Practical application

RM wk 1

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