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BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I

This chapter explores the concepts of operationism and essentialism in behavioral sciences. It discusses the use of operational definitions, measurement accuracy and reliability, validity, and the process of finding research ideas. Additionally, it provides an overview of tools for library research, including books, journals, computer databases, and the internet.

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BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I

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  1. BHS 204-01Methods in Behavioral Sciences I April 16, 2003 Chapter 3 (Stanovich) – Operationism and Essentialism

  2. Operational Definitions • A hypothesis redefines a general concept in terms of clearly observable operations that anyone can see and repeat. • Any given concept can be defined in many ways. • It is safest to use multiple operational definitions. • Construct validity – is the operational definition appropriate for the concept?

  3. Figure 3.1. (p. 54)From any one global construct, there are several possible operational definitions, depending on the questions asked and the type of population studied.

  4. Measurement • Measurement is the process of assigning numbers to things in the world. • Measurements must be: • Accurate • Consistent • Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure (test-retest, same result each time). • Validity refers to the accuracy of a measure.

  5. Finding a Research Idea • Ideas come from everywhere – especially from observation of society and personal experience. • Seeking solutions to social problems. • Intuition – ideas can seem to just pop into our heads, can come from dreams, or be inspired by unrelated activities. • Important ideas come after preparation – intensive work in an area of interest.

  6. Four Stages to Scientific Thinking • Preparation – learning all one can about a subject. • Incubation – meditating on a topic but not thinking about it. • Illumination – the solution begins to emerge into consciousness. • Verification – Testing the hypothesis.

  7. Tools for Library Research • Books • Journals • Computer databases – PsycInfo, Social Science Citation Index • The Internet

  8. Example: The Stroop Task • Demo of the task • Sources in PsycInfo • Sources on the Web

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