Psychology 2800E Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Availability Heuristic, Falsifiability, Internal Validity

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2800E
• Professor: Glen Gorman

Document Summary

Theory-data cycle: a theory is a set of statements of how variables relate together, leads researchers to pose particular research questions which leads to an appropriate research design (the experiment) In the context of the design, researchers formulate hypotheses: researchers then collect and analyze data, which feed back into the cycle. Non-supporting data leads to revised theories or improved research design. Good theories are supported by data, are falsifiable, and are parsimonious (difficult theories are difficult to test). Basic research: answers fundamental questions about the nature of behaviour. Applied research: address practical problems and provides solutions. Peer-review cycle: submit manuscript to journal -> roles of journal editor and peer reviewers-> tries to promote high quality research -> rejection, revision, or acceptance. Journal-to-journalism cycle: scientific journals vs. journalism, scientists and journalists can inspire one another. Sometimes journalists will find research that the general public will enjoy, and they simplify it: caution about how journalists report scientific work.