Lecture on Scientific Methods in Psychology

Introduction

• Discussion on scientific methods in psychology
• Topics include:
  • Scientific thinking in psychological science
  • Research process in psychological science
  • Evaluation and indicators of scientific theory in psychology

Purpose of Psychological Science

• Aims to explain psychological phenomena (thoughts, emotions, behaviors)
• Uses systematic methods for observation and inference
• Develops theories to explain phenomena
• Based on principles of science, not layman theories

Research Process in Psychology

1. Formulating a Hypothesis

   • Begins with observations or general statements
   • Example: children imitate behaviors they see
   • Importance of clear, predictive statements

2. Testing the Hypothesis

   • Requires systematic methods
   • Example: study on video games and aggressive behavior using controlled groups
   • Needs to consider causality and other influencing factors

3. Measurement and Interpretation

   • Behavioral measurements need clear definitions and rules
   • Importance of conclusive results and interpretation of data

Evaluations and Indicators of Scientific Theory

• Hypothesis Testing
  • Contradictory results lead to hypothesis modification
  • Matching results increase confidence but consider alternate hypotheses
• Replicability
  • Ensures same results are obtained by others using similar methods
  • Detailed reporting for replication

Meta-Analysis

• Analyzes results from multiple studies as if from one large study
• Helps determine replicability of small statistical effects
• Results not replicable through meta-analysis are often deemed obsolete

Psychology as Science vs. Pseudoscience

• Theory Development
  • Built from replicable data
  • Scientific theory provides accurate predictions
• Evaluation of Theories
  • Replicability
  • Falsifiability
    • Must be able to imagine scenarios to falsify theory
  • Burden of Proof
    • Obligation to present supporting evidence
  • Principle of Parsimony (Occam's Razor)
    • Few assumptions preferred
    • Avoids unsubstantiated new assumptions

Conclusion

• Importance of scientific methods in establishing reliable psychological theories
• Emphasizes systematic observation, hypothesis testing, and theory evaluation