PS295 Chapter Notes -Squared Deviations From The Mean, Statistical Dispersion, Epistemological Pluralism
Document Summary
Basic research: conducted to understand the psychological processes without regard for whether or not the knowledge is immediately applicable. Applied research: conducted to find solutions for certain problems rather than to enhance general knowledge. Evaluation research: assess the effects of social or institutional programs on behaviour (also known as program evaluation) (type of applied research) Behavioural research is often approached with one of these goals in mind: description, prediction, or explanation (of behaviour) Empiricism refers to the practice of relying on observation to draw conclusions about the world. Observations must be systematic in order to be able to draw conclusions about human nature. Systematic empiricism allows researchers to draw more confident conclusions. Scientific investigation results must be available for public verification (able to be replicated with the same results by others) Scientific investigation must only deal with solvable problems. The scientist"s two jobs: detecting and explaining phenomena.