SCI - The Scientific Method & Description Lesson

Learning Targets:

• Understand and define key terms related to the scientific method in psychology. 
• Explain the role of theories in advancing the field of psychological science.  

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

The Scientific Method in Psychology

The scientific method in psychology is a structured approach that guides researchers in formulating questions, gathering evidence, and drawing conclusions. It involves systematically observing, hypothesizing, experimenting, and analyzing data to test theories. In psychological science, researchers use this method to explore ideas, evaluate theories, and refine knowledge in the field. Peer review by experts ensures the quality and validity of research findings before they are published in scientific journals. Following the scientific method, psychologists can uncover new insights, correct misconceptions, and advance our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

Please review the essential key terms of The Scientific Method below:

 

Understanding How Theories Drive Psychological Science

The word "theory" is often misused as an expression of a mere guess. A theory in science, however, explains behaviors and events by presenting ideas that organize a variety of observations. Theories simplify complex information by using fundamental principles to connect seemingly unrelated facts. Despite the apparent reasonableness of a theory, rigorous testing is necessary. A theory must generate testable predictions, called hypotheses, to be robust. Predictions like these outline the expected outcomes that would either support or refute the theory, highlighting its falsifiability - an indicator of scientific validity. Psychology experiments can either validate or revise this hypothesis based on the results, emphasizing the importance of empirical validation in science. Psychiatrists ensure their findings' objectivity and reliability by meticulously reproducing research procedures, refining existing theories, and driving further field exploration.

Some examples of theories in psychology that have undergone rigorous testing include: 

These examples illustrate how theories in psychology are continually refined and validated through rigorous testing and empirical research, contributing to the advancement of psychological science.

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