Methods of Acquiring Knowledge in Science

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Questions and Answers

What is one method of acquiring knowledge about behavior other than science?

Intuition.

How does common sense differ from scientific knowledge?

Common sense changes over time and does not explain the 'why' behind phenomena.

What is mysticism in the context of acquiring knowledge?

Mysticism is insight gained from private experiences, such as altered states of consciousness.

What role does authority play in the acquisition of knowledge?

Authority involves accepting information from respected sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the philosophical belief of realism in science?

Realism posits that objects perceived exist outside the mind. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for problem-solving in science according to rationality?

Reasoning and logic. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of regularity imply about phenomena?

Phenomena exist in recurring patterns conforming to universal laws. Signup and view all the answers

What does discoverability in science suggest about solving questions?

It suggests that solutions are learnable given sufficient time and resources. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for science to be empirical?

Science is empirical because it relies on obtaining knowledge through objective observation. Signup and view all the answers

How does objectivity in science ensure consistent observations?

Objectivity ensures that anyone with normal perception at the same place and time would make the same observations. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by science being self-correcting?

Science is self-correcting because it adapts and changes based on new empirical evidence. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is science considered progressive?

Science is considered progressive because it advances in knowledge over time, unlike trends in fashion or art. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for science to be tentative?

Scientific knowledge is tentative because it acknowledges that new information may render current understanding obsolete. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does parsimony in science refer to?

Parsimony in science refers to using the simplest explanation possible for a phenomenon, known as Occam's razor. Signup and view all the answers

How do theories play a role in the scientific method?

Theories organize knowledge, explain laws, predict new laws, and guide research. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the scientific method?

The primary advantage is that it is based on objective observation independent of opinion or bias. Signup and view all the answers

What is the single most important element of the scientific process?

Control is the single most important element of the scientific process. Signup and view all the answers

Why are operational definitions important in research?

Operational definitions are important because they define variables in measurable terms, reducing confusion in communication. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a variable that is difficult to operationally define and explain why.

Charisma is difficult to operationally define due to subjective elements like eye contact and likeability. Signup and view all the answers

What does replication in scientific research refer to?

Replication refers to the reproduction of the results of a study. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge might arise when trying to measure firm performance or beauty?

The challenge is achieving a reliable and universally accepted measurement method. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Science is one method of acquiring knowledge about behavior.
Other methods include intuition, common sense, mysticism, and authority. These methods have limitations, such as subjectivity and lack of explanatory power. Common sense is culturally influenced and doesn't explain "why".

Working Assumptions of Science

Science operates on realism (objects exist independently of the mind), rationality (reasoning and logic are primary), regularity (phenomena follow universal laws), causality/determinism (events have causes), and discoverability (answers are possible).

Characteristics of the Scientific Approach

Science is empirical (based on objective observation), objective (observations are repeatable), self-correcting (adapts to new evidence), progressive (constantly improving), tentative (open to revision), parsimonious (favors simple explanations), and theory-driven ("why" questions).

Role of Theories in Science

Theories organize knowledge, explain laws, predict new laws, and guide research.

Advantages of the Scientific Method

The scientific method's main advantage is its objectivity. It establishes the superiority of one belief over another through objective observation.

Processes of Science

Science involves description (observing phenomena), explanation (developing theories), prediction (making forecasts based on theories), and control (managing environments).

Elements of the Scientific Process

Control is crucial for accounting for alternative explanations.
Operational definition allows for measuring and communicating variables. Constructs that cannot be operationally defined are difficult or impossible to study scientifically. This is illustrated by contrasting easily operationalized constructs like age and accident involvement with more difficult constructs to operationalize like charisma or faith.
Replication is the reproduction of study results.

Research Sequence

A basic research sequence is followed to attempt to answer questions.

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Description

Explore the various methods of acquiring knowledge in the context of scientific inquiry. This quiz delves into the characteristics of scientific approaches and the critical role of theories in understanding behavior and phenomena. Test your understanding of realism, rationality, and empirical observation.