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The use of the scientific method in Psychology. AS Psychology PY2. Introduction. Psychologists, like all scientists, use the Scientific Method to produce valid explanations of the world around them. The Scientific Method.
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The use of the scientific method in Psychology AS Psychology PY2
Introduction • Psychologists, like all scientists, use the Scientific Method to produce valid explanations of the world around them.
The Scientific Method • The Scientific process starts with OBSERVATION of behaviour or other phenomena in the world. • this then leads to the developments of a theory (TENTATIVE explanation) • A study is conducted to test hypotheses that come from the theory • Conclusions are drawn from the findings of the study.
Example: the spontaneous generation theory Scientific method Life emerges from non-living matter Make Observations Theory Mice emerge from dirty socks Reject the theory Come up with a better one Hypothesis No mice!!!! Experiment Place dirty socks in a glass jar for a few days
Scientific Method • Referring back to the definition of ‘Scientific’, any research can be considered scientific as long as it collects data in an objective, controlled manner. • The following research methods have been put in order of how scientific they are considered to be. • Lab Experiments • Field Experiments • Natural Experiments • Interviews/Questionnaires • Observations
The Stanford Prison Study by Philip Zimbardo (p133-5) • Describe the observations made by Zimbardo in the early 1970’s. • What were the two competing theories used to explain these observations • Describe the experiment Zimbardo used to try and choose between these competing theories. • What did Zimbardo find? Which theory did the findings seem to support?
The Stanford Prison Study by Philip Zimbardo (p133-5) • Was the study valid? – Use the information on p135 to support your view. • Was the study reliable? – Use the information on p135 to support your view. • Was the study ethical? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.