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Define the term 'hypothesis' and explain its role within the hypothetico-deductive method. What are hypotheses derived from, and what does it mean for a theory when a hypothesis derived from it is disconfirmed?
Question: Define the term 'hypothesis' and explain its role within the hypothetico-deductive method. What are hypotheses derived from, and what does it mean for a theory when a hypothesis derived from it is disconfirmed?
Sample answer: A hypothesis is a specific prediction regarding the outcome of a particular scientific study. In the hypothetico-deductive method, hypotheses are derived directly from broader theories and are then tested empirically to support or reevaluate those theories. Importantly, disconfirming a hypothesis does not necessarily mean that the underlying theory from which it was derived has been disproved; it often means the theory needs to be reevaluated or refined.
Key points:
- A hypothesis is a specific prediction regarding the outcome of a particular scientific study.
- Hypotheses are derived directly from broader theories in the hypothetico-deductive method.
- Hypotheses are tested empirically to support or reevaluate theories.
- Disconfirming a hypothesis does not automatically disprove the underlying theory.
Rubric: To receive full credit, the answer must: 1. Define a hypothesis as a specific prediction about the outcome of a particular study. 2. Explain that hypotheses are derived from broader theories in the hypothetico-deductive method. 3. Explicitly state that disconfirming a hypothesis does not necessarily disprove the underlying theory, but rather prompts its reevaluation or refinement.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Generating Hypotheses
Example of a Non-Testable Hypothesis
Example of a Hypothesis
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Sources of Hypotheses: Observation and Prior Research
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