THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Is a set of rules consisting of certain assumptions, attitudes, goals, and procedures for creating and answering questions about nature. Because the behavior of living organisms is part of the natural world, psychologists study “nature” just as biologists, physicists, and other scientists do.

The scientific method uses observations to develop a hypothesis and then empirically test the hypothesis by making additional, systematic observations. These lead to a new hypothesis, and the procedure is repeated.

ELEMENTS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

· SCIENCE IS EMPIRICAL

Answers are obtained through structured or systematic observations.

· SCIENCE IS PUBLIC

Results are published and can be replicated for further verification.

· SCIENCE IS OBJECTIVE

Try to avoid experimenter bias.

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD: FIVE STEPS

Figure 1.2 The Circle of Scientific Inquiry

· Observe a phenomenon. while doing so, you identify the VARIABLES that appear important in explaining behavior. Use inductive reasoning to

· Formulate tentative explanations. Initial observations allow you to develop a HYPOTHESIS, or tentative statement about the relationships among the variables identified.

· Use the hypothesis to generate a testable prediction. Apply the hypothesis to a specific observable situation, using deductive reasoning.

· Evaluate the prediction. You carry out more detailed OBSERVATIONS of the behavior of interest. Do the research and collect results (data). These observations are directed at testing your hypothesis and prediction.

· Refining and Retesting Explanations. Supported hypotheses are often REFINED and subjected to further exploration. Disconfirmed hypotheses may be reworked and RETESTED.

Figure 1.3 (p. 18)
An Example of Induction and Deduction.

Figure 1.4 (p. 22)
The Steps in the Research Process