Understanding Knowledge and the Scientific Method

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic is NOT a quality of a scientist?

Humility

Curiosity

Secrecy (correct)

Transparency

What must be established to make a valid causal claim?

Covariation of cause and effect (correct)

Absolute certainty of the outcome

Use of complex statistical methods

Intuitive understanding of the variables

Which of the following best describes pseudoscience?

Makes claims using scientific terminology (correct)

Is universally accepted by the scientific community

Relies solely on observational data

Practices rigorous scientific methods

How does science view truths?

As tentative and subject to revision Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source for generating research ideas?

Personal beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does temporal precedence refer to in causal relationships?

The cause must precede the effect in time Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis?

A statement that may or may not be true linked to a theory Signup and view all the answers

Which principle indicates that we can discover causes of behavior with some degree of confidence?

Discoverability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes intuition as a way of knowing?

Using anecdote, experience, or judgment without critical evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of empirical knowledge?

Obtained through systematic observations. Signup and view all the answers

What trait is not typically associated with organized skepticism in scientific inquiry?

Accepting conclusions without question. Signup and view all the answers

Which norm signifies that scientific observations should be systematic and structured?

Universalism Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method?

Emphasis on testable and falsifiable hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

How does peer review contribute to scientific inquiry?

It judges the scientific merit of research by qualified peers. Signup and view all the answers

What drives scientists to maintain disinterestedness in their research?

Commitment to uncovering true aspects of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What defines falsifiable ideas within scientific research?

Theories that can be proven incorrect. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Knowledge?

Knowledge is gained through intuition (anecdotal, experiential, or judgmental), relying on experience without critical thinking.
It can also come from evaluating oneself or others. This includes biases, such as illusory correlations.
Knowledge is gained through authority figures (when placed on someone else deemed more knowledgeable).

How Do We Know?

Intuition: relying on personal experiences, without critical analysis. Subjective insights.
Authority: trusting experts or authorities holding relevant (supposed) knowledge. This is influenced by how much we think that person knows.
Empiricism (Scientific Method): gaining knowledge through systematic observations about the world. Uses objective and systematic observations, testable/falsifiable ideas, tested by humans (though biases can occur).

The Scientific Method

Empiricism: gaining knowledge through systematic observation
Objective and systematic observation, testable, falsifiable ideas
Concluded by humans and often with biases.
Scientific skepticism: not to easily accept things as truths: evaluate evidence thoroughly.
Four Norms for Scientific Inquiry (for the best science):
- Universalism: systematic and structured observation
- Communality: open sharing of methods and results
- Disinterestedness: objective observations, not driven by personal gain
- Organized skepticism: all theories and data should be evaluated (even own work or pre-existing beliefs.) This can be through peer, or expert review and critique..

Goals of Scientific Research

Describe behavior
Predict behavior
Determine the cause of behavior including cause and effect, temporal precedence (cause before effect), ruling out other explanations
Understand or Explain behavior

Causation Criteria

Covariation of cause and effect: a change in one variable is accompanied by a change in another.
Temporal precedence: the cause must happen before the effect in time.
Rule out alternative explanations: Ensure there are no other explanations for the observed effect.

Qualities of a Scientist

Curiosity, humility, tolerance for uncertainty
Nullius in Verba
Freedom from ideology, Objective/Source of ideology
Transparency and honesty
Ethics, Public knowledge
Verifiable, Replicable

Science and Truth

Science involves tentative truths, constant revision based on evidence.
It can't answer all questions, but it can learn and reduce bias.
There can be biases that should be minimized,
The pursuit of truths.
Reductionism.
Balancing control with generalizability.

Research Ideas

Research originates from common assumptions, observations, practical problems, and past research.

Theory vs Hypothesis

Theory: A system of concepts that explains a phenomenon and its relationship to other phenomena. Grounded in and supports existing research.
Hypothesis: a specific prediction that may be true, related to a theory.
Hypotheses are tested, and contribute to or refute existing theory.

Research Methods

Quantitative methods: Correlational or experimental
Correlational research: Observing phenomena and associations
Experimental research: Manipulating a variable and observing effects.
Qualitative research: Observing and exploring phenomena.
Research can be basic (fundamental questions, theory development ) or applied (practical solutions).

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of knowledge, including its sources like intuition, authority, and empiricism. It delves into how we acquire knowledge and the importance of the scientific method in our understanding of the world. Test your understanding of these key ideas and their implications.