PSY 179 Week 6 Notes PDF

11/5/2024 PSY 179- Critical thinking in Psychology Foundations of Psychological Science 1 Today Operationism vs. Essentialism 2...

11/5/2024 PSY 179- Critical thinking in Psychology Foundations of Psychological Science 1 Today Operationism vs. Essentialism 2 1  11/5/2024 Introduction to Operationism and Essentialism What is the real meaning of the term gravity? What is the underlying essence of it? What does it ultimately mean even to speak of gravity? Philosopher Karl Popper Essentialism: the only good scientific theories are those that give ultimate explanations of phenomena in terms of their underlying essences or their essential properties 3 Why scientists are not Essentialists? Science does NOT attempt to answer "ultimate" questions Biologist Peter Medawar Essentialists like to argue about the meaning of words, but we must first define our terms Essentialism: Finds meaning by defining the term first Science: Investigates to find meaning 4 2  11/5/2024 Introduction to Operationism and Essentialism Operationism in psychology: Defining scientific concepts through measurable operations, e.g. Intelligence defined by IQ tests. Essentialism in psychology: Belief in inherent, fixed traits define true nature, often seen as less scientific. Relevance to psychology: These concepts shape how psychological phenomena are studied and understood. 5 Operationism Explained Defining Scientific Concepts Definition of operationism: Scientific concepts are defined by specific measurable operasions or tests, such as using IQ tests to define intelligence. Historical background: Developed in the early 20th century to bring clarity and rigor to psychological research. Examples in psychology: Includes defining mental health disorders using diagnostic criteria and rating scales. 6 3  11/5/2024 Essentialism in science: Essentialism suggests that entities have fixed, inherent essences that define them, often resisting empirical Why Scientists Are measurement. Not Essentialists Problems with essentialism: It relies on Contrasting abstract, often untestable assumptions, which are not suitable for scientific investigation. Essentialism with Operationism Operationism as a solution: By focusing on observable, measurable aspects, operationism provides a clear framework for scientific inquiry. 7 Operationists links concepts to observable events Operationism is the idea that concepts in scientific theories must in some way be grounded in, or linked to, observable events that can be measured Scientists think objectively! 8 4  11/5/2024 Example Operational Definitions: Try to define stress? Concept: Stress can be understood as a psychological and physical response to demands or threats. Self-reported stress level using a standardized questionnaire, such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Physiological stress response measured by cortisol levels in saliva samples. Behavioral indicators of stress like the number of fidgeting movements or frequency of sighs during a specific task. 9 Try define Concept: Attention is the ability to focus on specific stimuli or tasks attention? while ignoring others. Example Operational Definitions: Number of times a student looks away from a task during a 15-minute focus period. Accuracy and speed on a concentration task, such as how quickly and correctly a participant completes a series of puzzles. Self-reported ability to stay focused during a lecture or reading session. 10 5  11/5/2024 Reliability: Consistency of measurement; a reliable test yields the same results under consistent conditions. e.g. Imagine you have a bathroom scale, and you step on it three times in a row. Each time, it shows 50 kg, 50 kg, and 50 kg. The scale is reliable because it consistently gives you the same weight each time you use it. Reliability and Validity: The extent to which a test measures what it claims Validity to measure; includes content, criterion, and construct validity. It’s about accuracy. Ensuring Quality e.g. Valid scale should measure your weight. If the scale in Psychological says 70 kg when you know your weight is around 70 kg, it's valid because it accurately measures your weight. Measurements Importance in research: Both reliability and validity are essential for ensuring that psychological measurements are accurate and meaningful. 11 Think of the center of the target as the concept that you are trying to measure. Imagine that for each person you are measuring, you are taking a shot at the target. If you measure the concept perfectly for a person, you are hitting the center of the target. If you don’t, you are missing the center. The more you are off for that person, the further you are from the center. 12 6  11/5/2024 Operational Definitions in Psychology Direct operational definitions: Define concepts through direct measurement, like reaction time in cognitive tests. Indirect operational definitions: Use proxies or related measures, such as using heart rate to infer stress levels. Applications in psychology: Operational definitions are used in diagnostics, research, and therapy to ensure clarity and consistency. 13 Scientific concepts evolve 14 7  11/5/2024 Evolution of Scientific Concepts How Concepts Evolve Through Operational Definitions Conceptual change: Operational definitions allow scientific concepts to evolve as new evidence emerges. Dynamic nature of science: Scientific concepts are not static; they adapt and refine over time based on research findings. Examples in psychology: Concepts like intelligence and mental health disorders have evolved through operationalization and research advancements. 15 Case study: Operationalizing Intelligence From Abstract Concept to Measurable Entity The IQ test: Intelligence was operationalized through the development of IQ tests, measuring cognitive abilities in quantifiable ways. Evolving definitions: As our understanding of intelligence expands, operational definitions have adapted to include multiple forms of intelligence, like emotional and practical intelligence. Critiques and revisions: IQ tests have been criticized for cultural bias and limited scope, leading to ongoing revisions and the development of alternative measures. 16 8  11/5/2024 Challenges in Operationalizing Abstract Concepts Case Study: Happiness Defining happiness: Operational definitions of happiness vary, including self-reports, behavioral indicators, and physiological measures. Cultural variations: Cultural differences impact how happiness is perceived and measured, complicating operational definitions. Measurement tools: Common tools include happiness scales, observational studies, and biometric data, each with strengths and limitations. 17 Operationism as a Humanizing Force Impact on Psychological Research Empirical focus: Shifts emphasis from abstract theories to observable behaviors, making research more relatable and applicable. It brings clarity to the research. Accessibility of concepts: Operationism simplifies complex ideas, making them more understandable and actionable for both scientists and the public. Ethical considerations: Operational definitions help standardize research, reducing biases and promoting fair treatment in studies. 18 9  11/5/2024 Critiques and Challenges of Operationism Addressing the Limitations Oversimplification (Reductionism): Operationism can reduce complex psychological phenomena to overly simplistic measures, missing broader aspects. Overemphasis on measurability: Focus on measurable aspects may neglect important but less tangible elements of psychological constructs. Debate on universality: Critics argue that not all psychological concepts can be adequately captured by operational definitions. Philosophical criticisms: Links with positivism have been criticized for ignoring the broader context of human experience. 19 Misunderstandings in the public (Pre- existing biases): Essentialist views are often Scientific more intuitive to the public, leading to misconceptions about psychological science. Concepts Role of education: Learning the principles can and Public help bridge the gap between scientific and lay understandings of psychology. Perception Bridging the Media influence: Media often simplifies scientific findings, which can increase Gap essentialist misconceptions. 20 10  11/5/2024 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Uses operational definitions to Practical measure progress in treatment, such as reductions in anxiety scores. Applications of Diagnostic criteria: Operational Operationism definitions are used in developing diagnostic criteria for mental health Examples in disorders. Modern Educational Assessments: Psychology Standardized tests use operational definitions to assess student performance in measurable terms. 21 Operationism in Everyday Life Beyond the Lab Health and fitness: Operational definitions are used in fitness goals, such as defining progress by measurable metrics like weight loss or distance run. Business and management: Companies use operational definitions for performance metrics, like sales targets or customer satisfaction scores. Personal goals: Defining personal goals in measurable terms, like reading a certain number of books or saving a specific amount of money. 22 11  11/5/2024 Informed consent: Operational definitions must ensure that participants Ethical fully understand what they are consenting to in studies. Considerations in Operationism Avoiding reductionism: Researchers need to balance measurable definitions Balancing with respect for the complexity of human Precision and experience. Human Fair representation: Operational Experience definitions should not reinforce biases or exclude diverse perspectives. 23 Understanding operationsim: Operationism is essential for defining psychological concepts in measurable terms, enhancing research clarity and validity. Psychology’s current explanations and theories are Summary and key temporary and always progressing. takeaways Challenges and criticisms: While valuable, operationism must evolve to address criticisms, such as reductionism and the exclusion of complex human experiences. Relevance to psychology: Operationism remains a cornerstone of psychological research, guiding how we define, measure, and understand human behavior. 24 12  11/5/2024 In class practice Let’s read the article I shared at Bilgi Learn Don’t try to understand all (you can skip the statistics etc.) But pay attention how they defined their concepts and what they did? 25 13