Learn Before
A clinical psychologist wants to scientifically investigate whether a client's childhood experiences are 'subconsciously influencing their current dreams.' Apply the concept of 'empirical questions' to explain how the psychologist must refine this inquiry to make it a scientific question.
Question: A clinical psychologist wants to scientifically investigate whether a client's childhood experiences are 'subconsciously influencing their current dreams.' Apply the concept of 'empirical questions' to explain how the psychologist must refine this inquiry to make it a scientific question.
Sample answer: To make this a scientific question, the psychologist must operationalize the variables to focus on the observable world, as empirical questions must be answerable through structured observation. For example, instead of measuring untestable 'subconscious influence,' they could ask whether self-reported childhood trauma (an observable history) correlates with the frequency of specific dream themes reported in a structured daily dream log (observable behavior).
Key points:
- Empirical questions must address the observable world and be answerable.
- The concept of 'subconscious influence' on dreams in this form is not directly observable.
- Refinement requires operationalizing variables into observable and recordable data.
Rubric: Grading Rubric: - 2 points: Applies the definition of empirical questions to show the original question is not directly observable or answerable. - 2 points: Proposes a concrete refinement that operationalizes the variables into observable and recordable data. - Total: 4 points.
0
1
Tags
KPU
Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
Public Knowledge in Science
Systematic Empiricism
Empirical Question
Match each fundamental feature of the scientific approach to its corresponding description.
Which of the following best summarizes the three fundamental features that characterize the scientific approach?
A researcher is investigating whether background music helps students focus while studying. Arrange the following research steps in the correct order to demonstrate the application of the three fundamental features of science, starting with the earliest phase of the process.
A researcher uses high-precision heart-rate monitors to systematically record physiological data while participants reflect on whether human existence has an objective purpose. Despite the use of structured and objective measurement, this investigation fails to fulfill the fundamental features of science because it does not address an empirical question.
You are tasked with constructing a research plan to investigate whether 'mindfulness meditation' reduces heart rate during stressful tasks. To ensure your protocol embodies all three fundamental features of the scientific approach, which of the following integrated designs should you create?
In the scientific approach, the element of systematic empiricism refers to formulating inquiries about the observable world.
Match each fundamental feature of the scientific approach to the description that best explains how it functions to ensure scientific integrity.
A scientific panel evaluates a research proposal that aims to measure 'spiritual resonance' using high-precision electronic sensors. The panel rejects the proposal as falling outside the realm of science because the topic is not an inquiry about the observable world. In this evaluation, the panel is applying the fundamental feature that science must address _____ questions.
A psychologist studies memory by systematically observing and recording students' study habits, focusing on the answerable question of whether study duration affects exam scores. However, they keep all of their recorded observations and results locked in a private drawer, never publishing or sharing them. By failing to share their findings openly, this researcher's work fails to produce _____, preventing other researchers from scrutinizing their work.
Order the steps a scientific committee should take to evaluate whether a new psychological claim adheres to the three fundamental elements of the scientific approach, starting from evaluating the research question to the final stage of peer scrutiny.
Identify and define the three fundamental elements that characterize the scientific approach in psychology, and explain what each element ensures about scientific inquiry based on the Features of Science.
Diagnose which fundamental element(s) of the scientific approach Dr. Aris's research design is missing, and explain why her planned approach limits the scientific integrity and usefulness of her study.
A clinical psychologist wants to scientifically investigate whether a client's childhood experiences are 'subconsciously influencing their current dreams.' Apply the concept of 'empirical questions' to explain how the psychologist must refine this inquiry to make it a scientific question.