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Explain why Question A is considered an empirical question according to the text, while Question B is not. Your explanation should describe the defining feature of empirical questions and how it applies to each case.
Case context: A student in a psychology research methods course is proposing two different research questions for their final paper: Question A is 'Is there an inherited biological factor in unlawful actions?' and Question B is 'What actions ought to be considered illegal?'
Question: Explain why Question A is considered an empirical question according to the text, while Question B is not. Your explanation should describe the defining feature of empirical questions and how it applies to each case.
Sample answer: Question A is an empirical question because it is a scientific inquiry that can be resolved through active observation and the collection of objective data. In contrast, Question B is not an empirical question because it is a normative question about what 'ought' to be considered illegal, which cannot be resolved by collecting objective data or making active observations.
Key points:
- Empirical questions are defined as scientific inquiries resolved through active observation and objective data.
- Question A is empirical because it can be tested by collecting objective biological and behavioral data.
- Question B is not empirical because questions of what 'ought' to be illegal cannot be resolved through objective observation.
Rubric: Full credit (3 points) is awarded if the student: (1) states that empirical questions must be resolvable through active observation and objective data (1 point); (2) explains that Question A can be tested by observing and collecting biological/genetic data (1 point); and (3) explains that Question B is a normative/value-based question ('ought to be') that cannot be resolved through observation (1 point).
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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