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Summary methodology 1
Mitchel Mesker
Faculty of behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Course:
Instructor:
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Table of contents
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Introduction
APA
Morling, B. (2021). Research Methods in Psychology (4th ed). W. W. Norton & Company.
Inc.
Morling (2021)
(Morling, 2021).
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Introduction to Scientific Reasoning
1. Psychology is a way of thinking
Empiricists: Based on systematic observations by using evidence from the senses or
instruments that support the senses (photos, thermometers, timers, questionnaires). The
work should be verifiable by other observers. Empiricism is the most reliable basis for
conclusions.
Role of producer: to able to write research papers for courses, to attain job related skills
such as how to organize data and analyse data or how to measure behaviour accurately.
Learning the basics of conducting research to be able to work under a professor to deepen
your understanding.
Role of Consumer: the ability to look critically and with curiosity. Evaluating information. To
look up relevant information and keep it up to date.
Benefits of being a good consumer: Finding efficacy of your interventions.
Fundamental approach work:
• Act as empiricists;
• Test theories through research and revise their theories based on data;
• They follow norms that prioritize objectivity and fairness in the scientific community;
• Empirical approach to applied and basic research (applied research aims to solve a
problem);
• Making the work public and respond to other scientists;
• Sharing findings.
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The theory-data cycle: collect data to test, change, or update their theories.
Theory: is a set of statements.
Hypothesis (prediction): is stated in terms of a study design. It’s the specific outcome that
will be observed if the statement is correct. Preregistered: hypotheses should be
preregistered before collecting any data.
Data: are a set of observations. Data may either support or challenge a theory.
Replication: studies are replicated to see if the conducted study is consistent.
Falsifiability: he capacity for some proposition, statement, theory or hypothesis to be
proven wrong.
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Scientific norms:
Name Definition Interpretation and
application
Universalism Scientific claims are Everyone can do science.
evaluated according to their
merit, independent,
credentials or reputation.
Communality Scientific knowledge is Scientists should
created by a community and transparently and freely
its findings belong to the share the result with other
community. scientists and public.
Disinterestedness Scientists strive to discover Scientists should not be
the truth, they are not personally invested in
swayed by conviction, whether their hypotheses
idealism, politics, or profit. are supported by the data.
Organized scepticism Scientists question Scientists accept almost
everything. nothing at face value.
Scientific norms and the theory-data cycle makes the scientific community self-correcting.
Applied research: is done with a practical problem in mind. Research is done in real
world/local context.
Basic research: is to enhance the general body of knowledge rather than solving a specific
practical problem. The knowledge generated may be used in real world problems later on.
Translational research: is the use of lessons from basic research to develop and test
applications to health care, psychotherapy, or other forms of treatments and interventions.
It’s the bridge from basic research to applied research.