PSYC 2018H Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Public Knowledge, Scientific Method, Pseudoscience
16 Nov 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Whenever we accept the validity of information from a source we judge to be expert, then we are relying on authority as a source of our knowledge (goodwin & goodwin, 2013, p. 6). : reason. Using logic and reason alone to build arguments (armchair philosophy: experience. The process of learning things through direct observation or experience, and reflection on those experience (goodwin & goodwin, 2013, p. 7). : scientific method. Assumes determinism makes systematic observations produces public knowledge. Produces data-based conclusions produces tentative conclusions asks answerable. All events have causes, and these causes can be discovered using the scientific method. Scientists expect that claims about behaviour are supported by evidence that was gathered using a systematic process (scientific method) Studies do not prove anything future studies may turn out different: use support" / do not support". Empirical questions: can be answered using the scientific method, precise enough to allow specific predictions.
