Research Methods in Psychology - Chapter 1
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate between producers and consumers of scientific research.
- Understand the importance of the research process.
- Comprehend the scientific cycles: theory-data cycle, basic-applied research cycle, peer-reviewed cycle, journal-to-journalism cycle.
- Recognize the characteristics of a good theory.
Producers vs. Consumers
- Producers: Conduct, write, and publish research impacting societal change.
- Example roles: Researchers, grad students in psychology.
- Consumers: Understand the research to discern what is plausible.
- Example roles: General public, professionals in various fields.
Importance of Roles
- Producer Role:
- Critical for conducting sound scientific research.
- Essential for advancing to graduate studies in psychology.
- Consumer Role:
- Important in interpreting media information and advertisements.
- Critical in assessing the scientific validity of claims.
Scientific Cycles
- Theory-Data Cycle:
- Generates good research questions and leads to hypotheses.
- Example: Harlow's study on infant monkeys.
- Basic-Applied Research Cycle:
- Basic research enhances scientific knowledge, while applied research solves practical problems.
- Examples of Basic Research:
- How memory develops in children.
- Neuron communication in the brain.
- Peer-Reviewed Cycle:
- Manuscripts are reviewed by experts before publication to ensure the validity of the research.
- Journal to Journalism Cycle:
- Research is condensed and presented to the public, often simplified.
Characteristics of a Good Theory
- Supported by data.
- Falsifiable.
- Parsimonious (simple and straightforward).
Examples of Theories
- Social Learning Theory:
- Learning occurs through observation of models (live, verbal, symbolic).
- Supported by Bandura's research on aggression in children.
- Behaviorism:
- Behavior is learned through conditioning (rewards and punishment).
Peer Review Process
- Manuscripts undergo blinded review by experts.
- Determines the scientific soundness and contribution of the research.
- Most manuscripts undergo multiple revisions before acceptance.
Publication Process
- Manuscripts might take years to publish after several revisions.
- Scientific journals are mainly read by academics; popular media might cover significant findings.
Activity
- To reinforce learnings, complete the suggested activity at home.
Conclusion: Understanding the roles of producers and consumers, the scientific cycles, and the characteristics of a good theory is crucial in psychology. The peer review process ensures only sound scientific research is published. The journey from manuscript to public media can lead to simplified or sometimes misrepresented science. This knowledge is essential for anyone interested in scientific research or advancing in psychology.