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A researcher conducts an experiment on a novel therapy but refuses to share their data or detailed methodology, claiming the results are intuitive. Apply the core principles of the empirical method to explain how this researcher's approach violates a fundamental principle of scientific inquiry.
Question: A researcher conducts an experiment on a novel therapy but refuses to share their data or detailed methodology, claiming the results are intuitive. Apply the core principles of the empirical method to explain how this researcher's approach violates a fundamental principle of scientific inquiry.
Sample answer: The researcher's approach violates the empirical method because empirical knowledge must be grounded in objective, tangible evidence that can be consistently observed and verified by anyone. By hiding the data and methodology, the evidence cannot be verified or replicated by other researchers, undermining the requirement of repeatable and verifiable evidence in scientific inquiry.
Key points:
- Applies the principle that empirical evidence must be objective and tangible rather than intuitive.
- Explains that empirical knowledge must be consistently observed and verified by anyone.
- Points out that withholding data/methodology prevents external verification and replication.
Rubric: A complete response must apply the empirical method's requirement for verifiable and repeatable evidence. It should explain that refusing to share data/methods prevents others from observing, verifying, or repeating the findings, which directly violates the principle that empirical evidence must be consistently observed and verified by anyone.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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