Importance of Evaluating Research Critically

Opinion

Fact

Evaluating a Proposed Community Program

A city council is considering a proposal for a new after-school program. The company selling the program's curriculum presents a study showing that participants' test scores improved by 25%. However, the study was funded entirely by the same company. Based on a critical evaluation of this information, what is the most prudent course of action for the city council?

Early Intervention Programs

The Types of Reasoning Within the Scientific Process

Fact

Need for Creative Methods in Studying Behavior

A researcher is investigating the claim that daily meditation reduces stress. Which of the following approaches for gathering knowledge is based on objective, tangible evidence that can be consistently observed and verified?

A life coach claims that their new motivational technique dramatically increases productivity, citing several powerful testimonials from clients who feel more successful. A researcher investigates the same technique by randomly assigning participants to either use the technique or a placebo activity, and then measures their output on a standardized task. Why is the researcher's method a more reliable way to gain knowledge about the technique's effectiveness?

Empirical Basis of Psychological Science

Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research

Which of the following statements best describes the empirical method in scientific research?