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BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I

BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I. June 2, 2003 Chapter 8 (Stanovich) Converging Evidence. The Connectivity Principle. Critical experiments and theoretical advances may sometimes occur but progress in sciences operates on the principle of connectivity.

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BHS 204-01 Methods in Behavioral Sciences I

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  1. BHS 204-01Methods in Behavioral Sciences I June 2, 2003 Chapter 8 (Stanovich) Converging Evidence

  2. The Connectivity Principle • Critical experiments and theoretical advances may sometimes occur but progress in sciences operates on the principle of connectivity. • New advances must not only explain new facts but also account for old ones. • Explanatory power must be widened. • Old and new theories contend until a new synthesis makes them all obsolete. • Beware of violations of connectivity.

  3. Converging Evidence • No experiment in psychology is perfectly designed. • No single experiment can establish a theory. • Psychology depends upon converging evidence – a preponderance of studies that establish a theory. • This permits progress despite flaws in studies. • Theories must be disconfirmed by converging evidence, not just confirmed by it.

  4. Methods and Convergence • We should expect many different methods to be used in studying topics. • Each method has strengths and weaknesses. • Convergence across methods strengthens a theory. • Convergence across settings is important: • Naturalistic observation vs lab experiments. • Maintaining a balance in psychology is needed.

  5. Conference Presentations • Useful for communicating work in progress. • Feedback from peers before formal publication permits addressing potential criticisms. • Knowledge of new findings can guide other researchers’ work in progress. • Forums for exchanging ideas and making contacts. • Science is collaborative not competitive.

  6. Kinds of Presentations • Invited talks – 1 hr long, made by senior researchers, summarize a career’s work. • Panels – several researchers all working on a similar topic: • 10-20 minutes, present empirical studies • Moderated, discussant clarifies points of controversy. • Posters – present detailed research, author is present to explain & interact with peers.

  7. Posters • Keep it simple. • Use large type font. • Follow the same format as a research report (APA-style paper). • Illustrate with pictures of stimuli, graphs, tables. • Be able to explain everything appearing on the poster, either briefly or in detail.

  8. Short Talks • You will typically only have 10-15 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions. • Follow the same outline as the APA-style report, but with less detail. • Keep overheads uncluttered, simple, with large type. • If someone asks a question you cannot answer, admit it – don’t fake it.

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