Summary of: This book has been a classic in the field, due in part to the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI). Their involvement in this project has helped to bring prominent authors on board. Last published in 1991 this stellar text has been significantly revised by Dr. Ch...
Place of Values in social science research
- society’s values may have both positive and negative effects on what should and can be investigated by
social scientists. (ex. a study on how to increase the academic success of at-risk youth would be
encouraged, whereas one on sexual behavior in teens is not)
- furthermore, the results of some social science research have been publicly misinterpreted and
condemned. An example is that of Rind et. Co, who published an article stating that sexual abuse in
childhood does not lead to long-term negative outcomes on the individual.
Contestability in social and physical sciences
- the results of social science researchers seem to be more contestable than those of physical sciences,
in the general population. This is due to: seemingly ordinary quality of most methods of observation
and the fact that most topics researched are identifiable with personal convictions or political
interpretations.
- Even though they sometimes look like casual observations, ssc researches are not.
Casual Observation:
- the hypotheses derived from casual observation are useful to oneself in the sense that we have ideas
about how others will behave and thus we can behave in such a way that will cause the desired
response.
- Note they are not always correct, as they have a general character
- Example: Birds of a feather flock together Similarity results in increased contact.
Construct – abstract concept that we would like to measure.
Operational definition of a construct – set of procedures we use to measure or manipulate it.
SSC Hypothesis – falsifiable statement of the association between 2 or more constructs that have to do
with human behavior.
Causal associations (construct causes construct)
Theory – set of interrelated hypotheses that is used to explain a phenomenon and make predictions about
associations among constructs relevant to the phenomenon.
Sources of support for naïve theories (derived from casual observation):
1) logical analysis (being unemployed depression divorce)
2) authority (a doctor’s opinion for ex. On how to deal with a difficult child)
3) consensus (getting others’opinions)
5) observation
6) past experience
Toward a science of social behavior
- most important threat – a biased conclusion; also, we can never accept a hypotheses of absolutely true,
beyond a doubt.
Empirical research – observation that is systematic in an attempt to avoid bias.
Operationism – the assumption that all constructs can be measured or observed.
Replication – an empirical research that reveals the same conclusion as one previously conducted.
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