PSYCH 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2.1: Scientific Method, Falsifiability
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Data: the measurable outcome of research studies. Science has four primary goals: description: what a phenomenon is, prediction: when a phenomenon will occor, control: controlling what causes a phenomenon to occur, explanation: why a phenomenon occurs. Critical thinking means questioning and evaluating information: question every kind of information, ask for the description of each part of the claim. For any claim you hear, ask (cid:498)what is the evidence in support of this claim? (cid:499) In science, this is usually research reports based on empirical data published in peer reviewed journals. Go to the source of the claim (cid:498)peer review(cid:499) is a process by which scientists with similar expertise evaluate and critique research reports before publication. Even with this process, critical thinkers should be wary. The scientific method aids critical thinking: scientific evidence obtained through research is considered the best possible evidence for a claim. Research involves the careful collection of data through the use of the scientific method.
