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Explain the core characteristics that define a non-empirical question as outlined in the course material. In your response, list the three prominent examples of non-empirical inquiries provided in the text and explain why they cannot be investigated scientifically.
Question: Explain the core characteristics that define a non-empirical question as outlined in the course material. In your response, list the three prominent examples of non-empirical inquiries provided in the text and explain why they cannot be investigated scientifically.
Sample answer: According to the course material, a non-empirical question is characterized by inquiries that center on subjective values, ethics, or moral judgments. These questions cannot be investigated scientifically because they focus on how society or the world should be rather than on objective, observable reality. Consequently, they fall outside the realm of observable empirical testing. The three prominent examples of non-empirical questions mentioned in the text are: (1) determining if it is unethical to harbor prejudiced beliefs, (2) deciding which specific behaviors should be outlawed, and (3) evaluating if an object is inherently beautiful.
Key points:
- Non-empirical questions center on subjective values, ethics, or moral judgments.
- These questions focus on how society should be rather than objective reality.
- They fall outside the realm of observable empirical testing and cannot be investigated scientifically.
- Example 1: Determining if it is unethical to harbor prejudiced beliefs.
- Example 2: Deciding which specific behaviors should be outlawed.
- Example 3: Evaluating if an object is inherently beautiful.
Rubric: To receive full credit, the student's response must: 1) Identify that non-empirical questions center on subjective values, ethics, or moral judgments. 2) Explain that these questions focus on how society should be rather than objective reality, placing them outside the realm of observable empirical testing. 3) Correctly list all three examples from the text: determining if it is unethical to harbor prejudiced beliefs, deciding which behaviors should be outlawed, and evaluating if an object is inherently beautiful.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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