How does science differ from a layperson’s approach to science?
What’s the difference between observations and inferences?
Observation is the data collected. Inferences are anything else, including results (e.g. tentative conclusions, abstractions about reality, putting words to concepts)
How does the scientific model apply to clinical work?
Why should I become aware and explicit of my worldview and assumptions?
The alternative of being explicit and conscious is the risk of imposing values on others and making inaccurate assumptions.
Why do we live in an inductive world in Psychology?
There are no steadfast rules. Must infer from the data we collect.
What is the central problem of inductive science?
Error. All samples have error. Our efforts are all aimed at reducing this error.
What is the aim of science?
Theory.
What is the relevance of the stocastic model to clinical work?
Clients present a sample of their behavior from the population of their experiential world. We must recognize that this is limited, not impose our worldviews, and attempt to understand from multiple vantage points (different theories)
What are Mike Ellis’ current 8 steps of scientific research methods?
What is the impact of paradigms in scientific inquiry?
They affect how we: 1. Construct theory 2. Explain what happens 3. Choose phenomenon to observe and ignore 4. Identify patterns 5. Identify what counts as data
What are the rules of categorization (partitioning)?
Why should I graph my data?
Shows relations and their nature. Can show things you would miss with simple statistics (e.g. bimodal data)
What might cause negative results?
What is the core procedure of statistical analysis?
What is the law of large numbers?
With an increase in the size of sample, n, there is a decrease in the probability that the observed value of an event, A, will deviate from the true value of A by no more than a fixed amount, k. (Reduction of errors)
What are characteristics of the normal curve?
What is Popper’s major contribution to scientific inquiry?
Falsificationism!
What is the key principle of falsificationism?
Aim to disprove, not prove, theory.
What are Jon Stewart Mill’s five methods of elimination?
What is Jon Stewart Mill known for in scientific method?
What are Hume’s principles for inferring causality?
What is a better term for post-positivism?
Sophisticated Falsificationism
What are principles of post-positivism?
Two ways of defining a set.