Guide to using the learning objectives
1.
Define1
science.
2.
Describe2
the eight key elements of science.
3.
Define1
testable.
Give3 an example of a testable statement and give3 an
example of an untestable statement. State1 two reasons why
scientists want to make testable statements. Explain3 how
operational definitions allow scientists to make testable statements. Explain3
why scientists prefer predictions to after-the-fact explanations.
4.
Explain3
why a scientist might say, “In God we trust, all others must
provide data.”
5.
Illustrate3
why psychology qualifies as a science. In your answer, address such concerns as
whether human behavior follows rules, whether psychologists use research
“just to ‘prove’ whatever psychologists want to prove,”
whether the mind can be measured, and whether science has led to psychological
discoveries.
6.
Examine4
the advantages of psychology being a science.
7.
Define1
internal validity, external validity, and construct validity. Then, distinguish4 between the three validities.
Finally, provide3 an example of a threat to each validity.
8.
List1
the two main questions that should be asked when determining whether a research
study is ethical. Then, explain3 how both informed consent and
debriefing can help make a research study more ethical. Next, explain3 the role of
validity in determining whether a study is ethical, taking care to explain3
the relationship between the type of research question being asked and the type
of validity that the study should have. Define1 IRB and explain3 how an IRB
can help make research ethical. Show3 how, from an ethical
standpoint, conducting research on nonhuman animals is similar to conducting
research on humans (refer to APA and IACUC in your answer). Either6
justify or criticize6 the requirement that research be approved by
either an IRB or an IACUC.
9.
List1
at least four of the eight benefits you will gain from studying research
methods. Rank6 those benefits in order of how important you think
each are and justify6 your rankings.