A psychologist observes that three clients in their private practice show improvement after listening to classical music, and subsequently concludes that classical music is an effective treatment for clinical depression. Applying the lesson from the flat-Earth example of flawed empiricism, explain what methodological change the psychologist must make to overcome this sensory-based reasoning error.
Question: A psychologist observes that three clients in their private practice show improvement after listening to classical music, and subsequently concludes that classical music is an effective treatment for clinical depression. Applying the lesson from the flat-Earth example of flawed empiricism, explain what methodological change the psychologist must make to overcome this sensory-based reasoning error.
Sample answer: To overcome this error, the psychologist must shift from relying on immediate, localized personal observations to utilizing systematic, controlled research methods, such as using a control group and objective, standardized measurements on a larger, representative sample.
Key points:
- Move beyond immediate, localized, or subjective personal observations.
- Employ systematic, controlled research methods (e.g., control groups or standardized measurements).
- Test the hypothesis systematically rather than relying on a limited viewpoint.
Rubric: The response must apply the lesson of flawed empiricism to identify that the psychologist needs to move beyond immediate personal observations. It must specify a methodological change, such as employing systematic research designs, controlled conditions, or objective measurements, to prevent relying on limited sensory perspective.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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A psychologist observes that three clients in their private practice show improvement after listening to classical music, and subsequently concludes that classical music is an effective treatment for clinical depression. Applying the lesson from the flat-Earth example of flawed empiricism, explain what methodological change the psychologist must make to overcome this sensory-based reasoning error.