as psychology py2. psychologists, like all scientists, use the scientific method to produce valid...

The use of the scientific method in Psychology

AS PsychologyPY2

Psychologists, like all scientists, use the Scientific Method to produce valid explanations of the world around them.

Introduction

The Scientific process starts with OBSERVATION of behaviour or other phenomena in the world.

this then leads to the developments of a theory (TENTATIVE explanation)

A study is conducted to test hypotheses that come from the theory

Conclusions are drawn from the findings of the study.

The Scientific Method

Scientific methodMake Observations

Theory

Life emerges from non-

living matter

Hypothesis

Mice emerge from dirty

socks

Experiment

Place dirty socks in a

glass jar for a few days

No mice!!!!

Reject the theory

Come up with a better one

Example: the spontaneous generation

theory

Referring back to the definition of ‘Scientific’, any research can be considered scientific as long as it collects data in an objective, controlled manner.

The following research methods have been put in order of how scientific they are considered to be.

Lab Experiments Field Experiments Natural Experiments Interviews/Questionnaires Observations

Scientific Method

Describe the observations made by Zimbardo in the early 1970’s.

What were the two competing theories used to explain these observations

Describe the experiment Zimbardo used to try and choose between these competing theories.

What did Zimbardo find? Which theory did the findings seem to support?

The Stanford Prison Study by Philip Zimbardo (p133-5)

Was the study valid? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.

Was the study reliable? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.

Was the study ethical? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.

The Stanford Prison Study by Philip Zimbardo (p133-5)