APP - Science Practices Review Lesson

Understanding Psychology as a Science

Psychology is a scientific field that explores human behavior and mental processes through careful observation and testing. The scientific attitude underpinning psychology involves curiosity, skepticism, humility, critical thinking, and the evaluation of evidence. By applying this attitude, psychologists can develop theories, conduct research, and draw meaningful conclusions.

Three Key Elements of the Scientific Attitude:

  1. Curiosity: Psychologists maintain a sense of wonder and interest in understanding human behavior and mental processes.
  2. Skepticism: They question assumptions, scrutinize evidence, and challenge existing ideas to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  3. Critical Thinking: Psychologists evaluate sources, identify biases, assess evidence, and draw logical conclusions based on rigorous analysis.

Supporting Scientific Inquiry:

  • Critical Thinking: By critically evaluating information, psychologists test ideas and theories, leading to smarter decision-making in everyday life.
  • Theory Development: Psychologists formulate theories to explain observations and generate testable hypotheses, which are essential for advancing scientific knowledge.
  • Research Methods: Psychologists utilize methods such as case studies, naturalistic observation, and surveys to observe and describe behavior systematically.

Understanding Correlations:

  • Correlation: Describes the relationship between two variables; positive correlations show that variables change together, while negative correlations indicate an inverse relationship.
  • Illusory Correlations: False perceptions of relationships between events, and regression toward the mean is the tendency for extreme scores to normalize over time.

Conducting Experiments:

  • Experimental Design: Psychologists use experiments to establish cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables and controlling for confounding factors.
  • Random Sampling: Ensures that research findings are representative of the population being studied, increasing the validity of conclusions.

Statistical Analysis:

  • Descriptive Statistics: Measures of central tendency (mode, mean, median) and variation (range, standard deviation) help psychologists describe and interpret data.
  • Inferential Statistics: Used to determine the reliability and significance of observed differences in research findings, aiding in generalizing results to larger populations.

Psychologists adhere to ethical guidelines to safeguard human and animal welfare, ensuring that their research is conducted responsibly and with integrity. By combining scientific rigor with critical thinking, psychologists contribute valuable insights that enhance our understanding of human behavior and mental processes.

Terms to Know

PRACTICE 1: Apply psychological perspectives, theorists, concepts and research findings.

PRACTICE 2: Evaluate qualitative and quantitative research methods and study design.

PRACTICE 3: Evaluate representations of psychological concepts in quantitative and qualitative research, including tables, graphs, charts, figures, and diagrams.

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