Philosophies and Research Quality Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What differentiates axioms from assumptions?

Axioms are foundational truths, while assumptions can be questioned. (correct)

Axioms can change based on new evidence, while assumptions cannot.

Axioms are subject to debate while assumptions are not.

Assumptions are universally accepted, while axioms require proof.

Which process is NOT part of the self-correcting nature of science?

Appeal to authority for acceptance (correct)

Hypothesis testing and refinement

Peer review and publication

Feedback and criticism

What is essential for evaluating information according to the guiding principles?

Healthy skepticism and context consideration (correct)

Relying exclusively on expert analysis

Blind acceptance of popular opinions

Rejection of all sources with biases

What does APA stand for and why is it used in Kinesiology?

American Psychological Association; for formatting and enhancing clarity Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of scientific research?

It is an adventure into the unknown, asking falsifiable questions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following falls under a fallacious argument?

Using a straw man to misrepresent an argument Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does a continuous variable possess?

It can take on any value within a given range Signup and view all the answers

How are heuristics relevant in decision-making?

They are rules of thumb that simplify judgment but can lead to errors. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to understand the characteristics of a subject pool in research?

To accurately represent the population and improve generalizability of results Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of the scientific method in research?

To systematically test hypotheses through observation and experimentation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of epistemology?

It examines the distinction between knowledge and belief. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of perception, why are humans often described as 'prediction machines'?

Because they make judgments and assumptions based on prior knowledge and context Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of information overload?

Difficulty in discerning valuable from trivial information Signup and view all the answers

What does the quality of research depend on?

Subjects and comparison groups Signup and view all the answers

Which historical records contribute to the transfer of technology and ideas?

Chinese, Indian, and Greek historical records Signup and view all the answers

What does Cartesian skepticism primarily question?

The nature of knowledge and reality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of John Locke's theory of Empiricism?

Knowledge is derived from physical experience. Signup and view all the answers

What idea does the 'Cogito Ergo Sum' phrase represent?

The certainty of existence through thought Signup and view all the answers

What does Immaterialism assert regarding primary and secondary qualities?

They are inseparable and interdependent. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern in the interpretation of research results?

The significance and limitations of the findings Signup and view all the answers

How did formal writing influence the spread of ideas?

It allowed for greater documentation and distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Esse Est Percepi' imply about existence?

To be is to be perceived. Signup and view all the answers

Michel Foucault's view on societal truths emphasizes which of the following aspects?

Power dynamics significantly shape accepted truths. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines knowledge as discussed?

Justified True Belief. Signup and view all the answers

How does the appeal to authority fallacy manifest in scientific inquiries?

It relies on status outside the authoritative expertise. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with empirical evidence and the distinction between primary and secondary qualities?

Locke Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of comparing research across different cultural or historical contexts?

Different contexts may not share the same epistemic frameworks. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do heuristics simplify decision-making?

They offer quick rules of thumb for less information. Signup and view all the answers

The Thalidomide scandal is an example of which logical flaw?

Appeal to Authority Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of quantitative research?

It emphasizes measurement and analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a common research approach used in qualitative research?

Causal design Signup and view all the answers

What type of research design primarily focuses on combining quantitative and qualitative methods?

Mixed methods research Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, which of the following is primarily used as a data collection method?

In-depth interviews Signup and view all the answers

Which research approach emphasizes collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders?

Two-eyed seeing research Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a principle of qualitative research?

It emphasizes understanding and interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the mixed methods research design?

It enhances understanding with both qualitative and quantitative data. Signup and view all the answers

What does qualitative research emphasize in its approach to data?

Understanding perspectives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Quality

Quality of research depends on the subjects, comparison groups, variables measured and controlled, settings, and methodology.
Interpretation of results is important to understand significance and limitations.

Philosophies and Ideas

Historical records from China, India, and Greece influenced technology and idea transfer.
Formal writing emerged and spread globally.
Indigenous philosophies require an ethnophilosophical approach, understanding the importance of oral traditions, stories, cultural practices, and rituals.
Non-Western philosophies have their own unique expressions and should be recognized.

Scientific Method Origins

Aristotle is credited with formalizing the process of testing ideas.
Similar ideas existed in Chinese, Arabic, and African writings.

Rationalism (Rene Descartes)

Descartes investigated ontology (the study of being) and epistemology (the study of knowledge).
Cartesian Skepticism: Questioning the nature of knowledge and reality.

Descartes’ Philosophical Inquiry

Key questions for understanding reality and the nature of knowledge:
- How do I know what I believe is true?
- Can senses be trusted?
Apple barrel metaphor:
- Examine each idea critically
Ontological question:
- What is the nature of reality if senses can be deceived?
Cogito Ergo Sum: “I think, therefore I am”

Empiricism (John Locke)

Empiricism emphasizes knowledge through physical experience.
Primary Qualities: Weight, mass, density (objectively real)
Secondary Qualities: Colour, taste, texture, smell (subjectively real)

Immaterialism (George Berkeley)

Primary and secondary qualities are inseparable and perception is the key to existence.
"Esse Est Percepi" – To be is to be perceived.

Post Modernism (Michel Foucault)

Societal truths are shaped by power dynamics influencing knowledge creation, sharing, and enforcement.
Postmodernism emphasizes subjective relativism over objective reality.

Knowledge and Science

Knowledge is defined as Justified, True, Belief.
- Justification: Evidence or support
- Truth: Objectively or perceptually correct
- Belief: Considered true but needing justification

Summary

Epistemological Question:
- What is knowledge?
- How do I come to know things?
Ontological Question:
- What is real?
- What type of things exist?
- What is the nature of reality?
Philosophical Contributions:
- Descartes: Rationalism and the existence of self.
- Locke: Empirical evidence and primary/secondary qualities.
- Berkeley: Perception as existence.

Appeal to Authority

Belief in something based solely on the authority of the person without supporting facts.
Relies on fame, power, status outside their domain of competence.
It is logically fallacious.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts to simplify complex decisions.
Enable quick decision-making with limited information.
Can lead to errors or biases.

Historical Examples of Appeal to Authority

Thalidomide Scandal: Authorities assured the safety of thalidomide, leading to severe birth defects.
Geocentric Model: Acceptance of Earth-centered universe based on ancient scholars like Ptolemy, until evidence supported the heliocentric model.

Assumptions vs Axioms

Axioms:
- Universally accepted truths, foundational in logical systems.
- Not subject to debate (e.g., “I think therefore I am”).
Assumptions:
- Accepted as true without concrete evidence, often for argument’s sake.
- Subject to questioning and revision based on new evidence.

Science as a Process

Science is a process to determine reality through experimentation, observation, and logic.
Science is divided into natural sciences, social sciences, and formal sciences.
Research is an adventure into the unknown.
It involves asking falsifiable questions, emphasizing proving oneself wrong to promote objectivity.

Self-Correcting Nature of Science

Key Components:
- Hypothesis testing and refinement.
- Replication and verification.
- Peer review and publication.
- Feedback, criticism, and paradigm shifts.
- Technological advancements.
Outcome: Continuous improvement and refinement of knowledge.

Ad Hominem: Attacking the person instead of the argument.
Straw Man: Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack.
Slippery Slope: Arguing a specific action will lead to an undesirable outcome.
False Dichotomy: Presenting only two options when more exist.
Bandwagon Fallacy: Believing something is true because many others do.

Information Evaluation

Guiding Principles:
- Healthy skepticism.
- Consider context.
- Look for supporting work and consensus.
Modern Challenges: Managing information overload with critical thinking and reliable sources.

Worldviews in Kinesiology Research

Epistemology: the study of knowledge and belief.
- Concerned with the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge.
- Explores how knowledge is acquired and justified.
- Investigates the distinction between knowledge and belief and between true and false beliefs.

Research Design in Kinesiology

Introduction to Research Design:
- Qualitative Research:
  - Uses theory.
  - Emphasizes understanding and interpretation.
  - Data is subjective.
  - Mostly based in constructionist world view.
- Quantitative Research:
  - Uses theory.
  - Hypothesis (Questions) must be falsifiable.
  - Emphasizes measurement and analysis.
  - Mostly based on a positivist world view.
  - Specific research designs (e.g., case studies, experiments, surveys)

Research Approaches and Methods

Quantitative Research focuses on relationships between variables.
- Uses numerical data and statistical analysis.
- Independent and dependent variables.
- Research designs: causal, experimental, correlational.
- Common data collection methods: surveys, measurements of variables.
Qualitative Research focuses on experiences and perspectives.
- Uses narrative data and thematic analysis.
- Research approaches: case study, ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology.
- Common data collection methods: in-depth interviews, focus groups, observations, document analysis.
Mixed Methods Research combines quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Provides a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem.
- Research designs: concurrent, explanatory, exploratory.
- Integration of quantitative and qualitative components.
Two-Eyed Seeing Research integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
- Respectful collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders.
- Research designs incorporate both Indigenous and Western methodologies.
- Emphasis on cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.

Research Design and Methodology

Quantitative Research: experimental and correlational designs.
Qualitative Research: case study, ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology.
Mixed Methods Research: concurrent, explanatory, exploratory designs.
Two-Eyed Seeing Research: integration of Indigenous and Western methodologies.

Data Collection Methods

Quantitative Research: surveys, physiological measurements.
Qualitative Research: in-depth interviews, focus groups, observations, document analysis

Questions to Consider

How does serendipity play a role in scientific discoveries, and how can researchers ensure such findings are scientifically validated?
How does the scientific method promote objectivity and reliability in research findings?

Specific Questions to Remember

APA Style:
- What does APA stand for?
- Why do we use APA in Kinesiology? (2 reasons).
- Is APA limited to the formatting of citations? Or does it extend to the whole paper?
- If you were to view an APA reference that had errors in it, could you find and indicate them?
Scientific Method of Problem Solving:
- What are the steps of the scientific method?
- What occurs in each step of the scientific method?
Characteristics of Research:
- What are the 5 characteristics of research that we covered in class?
- How are those 5 characteristics realized?
Visual System and Predictive Nature of the Mind:
- When we process visual information, is that information completely accurate?
- Why would our minds be considered prediction machines?
- Does the predictive context just involve the visual system or are many senses vulnerable to the predictive nature of our minds?
Variables:
- What would make a variable discrete?
- What would make a variable continuous?
Subject Pool Considerations:
- Why is it important to understand and describe the characteristics of your subject pool in a research paper?
- Is it important that the subject pool mirrors the population?
- If the two are vastly different, how could you argue that the results from an animal experiment in rats is somehow applicable to humans? What level of confidence do you have in these results as they apply to humans?

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Description

Explore the critical foundations of research quality, the historical philosophies that shaped ideas across cultures, and the origins of the scientific method. This quiz delves into influential thinkers like Aristotle and Descartes, examining their contributions to ontology, epistemology, and research methodology.