SOC 104 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Santa Barbara City College, Meta-Analysis, Falsifiability
Document Summary
Replication allows scientists to test the theoretical validity as well as the shortcomings of research findings. The social psychologists use an empirical approach to study social behavior. This helps them to discover findings which could not have been expected accurately in advance, and which could contradict our common sense and intuition. The variables that form the hypothesis of the study, known as conceptual variables, are tested using assessed variables using, for example, self-report, behavioral or neuroimaging tests. Observational research is work involving making behavioral observations and the systematic documentation of those findings. This may be the only approach to studying behavior, in some situations. Designs of correlation and experimental testing are focused on the production of falsifiable hypotheses. Correlational study structures permit inference but cannot be used to assert causality. Experimental research designs which manipulate the independent variable may be used to make statements on causality.
