Evidence in Science and Legal System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes bad science?

Producing reliable and reproducible results

Relying on anecdotal evidence (correct)

Utilizing proper methodology

Considering broader scientific data and trends

Which of the following is an example of scientific misconduct?

Reporting all results, whether they support the hypothesis or not

Hypothesising After Results Known (HARKing)

Cherry-picking statistically significant results

Falsifying data in stem cell research (correct)

What is the Fraud Triangle in the context of scientific misconduct?

A triangle used to fabricate data

A concept used to explain factors contributing to fraud (correct)

A triangle representing infamous fraud cases

A triangle that supports questionable research practices

Which individual fabricated data in numerous social psychology studies?

Diederik Stapel Signup and view all the answers

What does selective reporting involve in questionable research practices (QRPs)?

Reporting only results that support hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

Why are non-significant results still considered results in the context of QRPs?

They provide a broader perspective on the hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding scientific misconduct for the individual researcher?

Loss of personal and professional reputation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major implications of scientific misconduct for the scientific community?

Implicating collaborators, students, and the university Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of scientific misconduct on the public?

Decreased trust in scientific findings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a solution to counter the replication crisis?

Double-blind peer review Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of pseudoscience?

Claims that cannot be falsified Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason mentioned in the text for why people believe in pseudoscience?

Gullibility and the will to believe Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

To oversee and evaluate the ethics of proposed research involving human participants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria for IRB approval of a research study?

The study is designed to produce statistically significant results Signup and view all the answers

How must researchers handle studies involving deception, according to the text?

The researcher must justify the use of deception and provide a thorough debriefing process Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'expedited studies' refer to in the context of IRB review?

Studies that can be reviewed more quickly by the IRB due to minimal risks Signup and view all the answers

What is required when conducting research with children or mentally challenged individuals?

Special provisions must be made to protect their interests, such as providing an appropriate explanation, seeking assent, considering preferences and best interests, and obtaining appropriate permission Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'informed consent' process in research involving human participants?

To ensure participants understand the risks and benefits of the study Signup and view all the answers

How did the therapist respond when Emmanuel stated his intention to end his life?

She asked him to postpone his decision for a week and return for further discussion. Signup and view all the answers

What was Emmanuel's response when the therapist asked him to postpone his decision?

He told her he wasn't certain whether he would keep the appointment. Signup and view all the answers

What happened after the therapist's session with Emmanuel?

Emmanuel followed through with his plans and ended his life. Signup and view all the answers

What additional steps could the therapist have taken in this case?

All of the above could have been potential additional steps. Signup and view all the answers

How might the therapist's personal values or issues influence their approach with a suicidal client like Emmanuel?

All of the above could potentially influence the therapist's approach. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions might the therapist have pursued after Emmanuel's suicide?

Any or all of these actions could be appropriate steps to take. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea behind the 'scientist-practitioner model'?

Psychologists should integrate scientific knowledge with practical application. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the scientist-practitioner model?

Research findings are always directly applicable to clinical practice. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'falsifiability' in scientific reasoning?

The willingness to embrace the possibility of error and reject a hypothesis if new data contradicts it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'essence of bad science'?

Selectively reporting research findings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the scientific reasoning process?

It aims to derive a definitive, unchangeable conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a 'consumer' in the scientist-practitioner model?

To stay current with applicable research in the field. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'empirical evaluator' role in the scientist-practitioner model?

To assess clients' progress and the effectiveness of interventions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between science and the legal system, according to the text?

Both make decisions based on evidence, but the legal system requires a higher standard of proof. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence'?

It highlights the importance of actively seeking evidence, rather than assuming its absence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary critique of the scientist-practitioner model?

It assumes that all research findings are directly applicable to clinical practice. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Converging Evidence

The legal system and science both make decisions based on evidence
In the legal system, a small amount of evidence leads to suspicion, while a large amount of evidence is needed to convict
"The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence" - emphasizes the importance of considering all available evidence

Steps of the Research Process

Develop a research question
Conduct a literature review
Generate a research hypothesis
Choose a research design
Evaluate the ethics of the research
Collect and analyze data; form conclusions
Report research results

Science in Context

High standards for integrity and ethical conduct are essential in science
Scientists must not fabricate data, plagiarize, or selectively report research findings
Moral context is crucial in scientific research

The Scientist-Practitioner Model

Integration of scientific knowledge and application
Emphasis on the successful integration of science and practice
Three roles of practicing psychologists: Researcher, Consumer, and Empirical Evaluator

Assumptions of the Scientist-Practitioner Model

Professionals with knowledge and skills related to research will facilitate effective psychological services
Research is imperative to the development of a scientific database
Researchers' direct involvement in clinical practice will result in studies on important social issues

Critiques to the Scientist-Practitioner Model

Some research findings may not be applicable to practice
Trained specialists may decrease research efforts after graduation
The scientist-practitioner model is still the best approach to becoming effective professionals

Scientific Reasoning

Empirical approach: identifying a problem, gathering information, formulating explanations, conducting tests, and deriving a conclusion
Karl Popper's concept of falsifiability: "Falsify-ability" or fallibilism - embracing the possibility of error

The Way Forward: Open Science as a Solution

Large-scale replications to counter the replication crisis
Pre-registrations in journal articles
Transparency and data monitoring
Open-access journals

The Limits of Science

Science is not omniscient or infallible
It is conducted by human beings, who are prone to making mistakes or misinterpreting information
Science is still the best method for understanding the universe, particularly given the error-correction mechanisms integral to it

Pseudoscience

Presented as scientific but lacking empirical evidence
Often relying on unfounded theories or supernatural explanations
Two features: easy to find evidence for claims and claims that cannot be falsified

Research Ethics

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) oversee human research
Criteria for IRB approval: minimizing risk, justifying potential benefits, fair selection of participants, informed consent, and data monitoring
Deception and debriefing: justifying deception, thoroughly explaining the nature of the study, and considering the rights of participants

Bad Science and Fraud

Bad science: lacks proper methodology, relies on anecdotal evidence, and often fails to produce reliable and reproducible results
Fraud: fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism
Questionable research practices: cherry-picking, selective reporting, p-hacking, and HARKing

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Description

Test your knowledge on the similarities and differences between evidence in science and the legal system, as well as the steps of the research process. Learn about the probalistic nature of claims, the importance of evidence in decision-making, and the research process from developing a question to generating a hypothesis.