PS295 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Theoretical Definition, Sampling Error, Simple Random Sample
Document Summary
Research methods study sheet: science is not defined by having enough facts, equipment or subject matter, science is an approach to gaining knowledge and drawing conclusions. Proximal vs. distal causes: enables control of behaviour. Identifying causes (there are lots of factors); can help alter the behaviour by altering the cause. To control or influence behaviour requires knowing the causes. Science and other ways of knowing: charles pierce-famous essay outlined several methods, authority relying on info for answers from an expert. Limitations: authorities may be wrong, disagree, how do you know you can trust: consensus (common sense) Accepting a conclusion because many others believe its true. Limitations: many people share false beliefs; widely shared beliefs are often discomfirmed; consensus changes over time: intuition, rationalism. A belief is accepted on the basis of a hunch or a gut feeling. Limitations: there is no mechanism for separating accurate from inaccurate knowledge. The acquisition of knowledge through logical reasoning.
