Introduction to Good Science and Research Methods

Objectives of the Lesson

• Understand basic rules of good science.
• Review the costs of misunderstanding these rules.
• Equip with tools to interpret reports from various media.
• Avoid manipulation by biased information.

Media Bias and Information Interpretation

• Popular media representations often have biases.
  • Example: Different interpretations of political events by CNN vs. Fox News.
• The aim is to help make informed decisions about what to believe.

True/False Exercise on Scientific Understanding

• Research does not tell us if a theory is true or false.
  • Theories generate testable hypotheses.
• Fear can be conditioned, even towards objects like toast.
• Consistent reward is not the best training method.
  • Random rewards are more effective.
• Punishment is not the best way to eliminate behavior.
  • It often leads to lying and hiding behavior.
• Survival of the fittest means best adaptation, not strength.
  • Humans adapt to survive, not relying on physical strength.
• Observations cannot determine causes of behavior.
  • Observations show correlations, not causations.

Science and Misinterpretation

• Misunderstanding research can lead to false cause-and-effect assumptions.
  • Example: Vaccinations and autism are correlated by timing, not causation.
• Misinterpretation can lead to serious consequences like the rise of preventable diseases.

Defending Against Misinterpretation

• Understand research methods.
  • Observational vs. Experimental methods.
    • Correlations vs. Cause-and-effect.
• Apply critical thinking.
  • Objective and evidence-based understanding.

Goals of Psychology and Research Methods

• Identify patterns in human behavior through observation.
• Develop theories from observed patterns.
• Test theories with experiments.

Theory vs. Hypothesis

• Theory: Logical explanation for phenomena; must be testable.
  • Example: Violence in media causing ADD/ADHD.
• Hypothesis: Specific testable predictions derived from theories.

Operational Definitions in Research

• Clearly define variables in research for replication and validity.
  • Example: Defining 'violence' or 'attractiveness' in studies.

Scientific Method and Quality Research

• Observation leads to hypothesis formation.
• Test predictions multiple times for validity.
• Objective interpretation and communication of results.
• Differentiates from biased media reporting.

Importance of Understanding Research Methods

• Equips to defend against biases and misinterpretations.
• Enhances decision-making as informed citizens and leaders.

Conclusion

• Understanding research methods is crucial for being a savvy consumer of information and effective decision-maker.
• Be critical and objective in interpreting scientific data.

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Thanks and gig 'em.