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Based on the principles of the empirical method, explain why the instructor's arguments do not yet constitute empirical evidence. What must the instructor do to support their claim using the empirical method?
Case context: A psychology instructor claims that a new study technique is highly effective. To support this, the instructor provides two arguments: first, they explain the logical cognitive mechanism of how the brain stores information using this technique; second, they cite their own status as a tenured professor with fifteen years of experience teaching psychology.
Question: Based on the principles of the empirical method, explain why the instructor's arguments do not yet constitute empirical evidence. What must the instructor do to support their claim using the empirical method?
Sample answer: The instructor's arguments rely on logical argument (explaining the cognitive mechanism) and authority (their status as a tenured professor), rather than observation and experimentation. Under the empirical method, these are insufficient. To support the claim empirically, the instructor must collect objective, tangible evidence by conducting an experiment or systematic observation (e.g., testing students who use the technique and comparing them to those who do not) to produce repeatable, verifiable results.
Key points:
- Identifies that the instructor's cognitive mechanism explanation is a logical argument.
- Identifies that the instructor's status as a professor is an appeal to authority.
- Explains that the empirical method requires moving beyond logical argument and authority alone.
- States that the instructor must conduct systematic observation or experimentation.
- Mentions the need to gather objective, tangible evidence that can be verified by others.
Rubric: The answer should identify that the instructor's current evidence is based on logical argument and authority, which are contrasted with the empirical method. It must state that empirical support requires gathering objective, tangible evidence through observation or experimentation that can be verified by others.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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