Lecture Notes: What is Science? Series - Part 3

Introduction

• Focus on assumptions that guide research in psychology.
• Importance of assumptions: Constrain fields of study to manage research effectively.

Common Steps in Problem Solving

1. Define the Problem: Identify what you're interested in.
2. Select Factors: Choose specific aspects to examine.
3. Formulate Questions: Develop questions that will provide needed information.
4. Choose Methodology: Select appropriate research forms and data collection methods.
5. Understand Assumptions: Clarify what's important in the field to guide questions and methods.

Importance of Assumptions

• Assumptions help explain different viewpoints and approaches.
• Encourages respect and understanding of differing perspectives.

Historical Influences on Psychology

• Early Greek Assumptions:
  1. The world is systematic and predictable.
  2. Humans are part of the world and can be studied similarly.
  3. Explanations should be based on observable events, not magic.
• These formed the basis for determinism and positivism.

Determinism

• Nature is Lawful: Universe operates on laws (Einstein's perspective).
• Causal Relationships: Specific causes lead to specific effects.
• Finite Causes: Limited set of causes explain phenomena.
• Discoverable Causes: Belief that causes can be understood drives research.

Challenges to Determinism

1. Probabilistic Determinism: Causes exist, but may not be fully known.
2. Chaos Theory: Small changes can lead to significant outcomes.
3. Uncertainty Principle: Measurement affects the phenomenon being measured.

Additional Influences on Psychology

1. Mechanism: Treating mental processes as mechanical systems.
2. Dualism: Mind and brain as separate entities.
3. Reductionism: Understanding small parts to build understanding of the whole.
4. Construction and Representation: Building internal models from external stimuli.

Practical Aspects of Research

• Bias and Accuracy: Verify data accuracy and bias.
• Analysis and Assumptions: Ensure correct analysis and acknowledge assumptions.
• Replication: Test trustworthiness through replication.
• Generalizability: Determine if findings apply beyond the lab.
• Contribution to Theory: Assess if research contributes to theoretical frameworks.

Conclusion

• Completion of the series.
• Upcoming discussion session instead of a lecture or quiz.

---

These notes capture the key concepts and ideas presented in the lecture on assumptions guiding psychological research, historical influences, and practical research concerns.