34 Questions
What characterizes bad science?
Relying on anecdotal evidence
Which of the following is an example of scientific misconduct?
Falsifying data in stem cell research
What is the Fraud Triangle in the context of scientific misconduct?
A concept used to explain factors contributing to fraud
Which individual fabricated data in numerous social psychology studies?
Diederik Stapel
What does selective reporting involve in questionable research practices (QRPs)?
Reporting only results that support hypotheses
Why are non-significant results still considered results in the context of QRPs?
They provide a broader perspective on the hypothesis
What is the primary concern regarding scientific misconduct for the individual researcher?
Loss of personal and professional reputation
What is one of the major implications of scientific misconduct for the scientific community?
Implicating collaborators, students, and the university
What is the primary impact of scientific misconduct on the public?
Decreased trust in scientific findings
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a solution to counter the replication crisis?
Double-blind peer review
What is a characteristic of pseudoscience?
Claims that cannot be falsified
What is the reason mentioned in the text for why people believe in pseudoscience?
Gullibility and the will to believe
What is the primary function of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
To oversee and evaluate the ethics of proposed research involving human participants
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
What happened after the therapist's session with Emmanuel?
Emmanuel followed through with his plans and ended his life.
What additional steps could the therapist have taken in this case?
All of the above could have been potential additional steps.
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.
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.
What is the central idea behind the 'scientist-practitioner model'?
Psychologists should integrate scientific knowledge with practical application.
Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the scientist-practitioner model?
Research findings are always directly applicable to clinical practice.
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.
What is the 'essence of bad science'?
Selectively reporting research findings.
Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the scientific reasoning process?
It aims to derive a definitive, unchangeable conclusion.
What is the primary role of a 'consumer' in the scientist-practitioner model?
To stay current with applicable research in the field.
What is the primary purpose of the 'empirical evaluator' role in the scientist-practitioner model?
To assess clients' progress and the effectiveness of interventions.
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.
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.
What is the primary critique of the scientist-practitioner model?
It assumes that all research findings are directly applicable to clinical practice.
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
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.
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