Testing Competing Theories with Hypotheses
Among the strongest hypotheses are those formulated to distinguish between competing scientific theories. In this scenario, researchers identify two theories that offer conflicting explanations for the same phenomenon. They then design a study and derive a single hypothesis where each theory implies a mutually exclusive outcome. Because the predictions are opposite, observing the study's results will confirm one theory's prediction while simultaneously disconfirming the alternative.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
Deductive Reasoning
Generating Hypotheses
Example of a Non-Testable Hypothesis
Example of a Hypothesis
Role of Hypothesis Testing in Theory Refinement
Sources of Hypotheses: Observation and Prior Research
The Scientific Standard for Establishing Causality: Controlled Experiments
A researcher is investigating the connection between the amount of time spent on a social media app and users' self-reported levels of happiness. The researcher starts with the general idea that excessive social media use might negatively affect well-being. Which of the following statements represents the most effective and scientifically testable hypothesis for an experiment on this topic?
The 'If-Then' Relationship between Theories and Hypotheses
Testing Competing Theories with Hypotheses
Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis
The Cyclical Process of Scientific Inquiry
Deriving a Hypothesis from the James-Lange Theory
Falsifiability and Confidence in Scientific Research
Requirement of a Hypothesis for Scientific Experiments
A-theoretical Hypothesis
Variable
Population
Which of the following statements best describes a scientific hypothesis?
When an empirical study's results fail to support a specific hypothesis, the broader theory from which that hypothesis was derived is automatically considered disproved.
A psychologist is investigating the relationship between physical activity and mental health. Using the scientific process shown in the image as a guide, match each part of their research process to its correct scientific component.
A psychologist is investigating the relationship between 'social support' and 'physiological stress'. Using the provided scientific method diagram as a guide, arrange the following steps in their correct logical sequence, starting from the broadest conceptual level and ending with the evaluation of that level.
A researcher is developing a study based on the theory that 'social support' buffers the effects of 'stress' on 'immune function'. Following the scientific process shown in the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriately constructed 'hypothesis' for an empirical test of this theory?
A psychologist evaluates the results of an experiment that fail to support their specific prediction. Instead of discarding the broader theory, they decide to refine its assumptions for a follow-up study. This judgment is scientifically sound because, within the hypothetico-deductive method, the disconfirmation of a specific _____ does not logically necessitate the immediate rejection of the theory from which it was derived.
A(n) _____ is a specific prediction regarding the outcome of a particular scientific study.
A researcher derives a hypothesis from the James-Lange theory of emotion, predicting that participants forced to smile will report higher happiness ratings than those forced to frown. The study's empirical results show no difference in happiness ratings between the groups, thereby failing to support the hypothesis. True or False: This outcome logically disproves the underlying James-Lange theory.
Analyze the relationships between components in the hypothetico-deductive method by matching each component of scientific inquiry to its correct description.
Evaluate the cyclical process of scientific inquiry. Arrange the steps of the hypothetico-deductive method in their correct logical order, starting from the source of the prediction to the ultimate refinement of knowledge.
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?
Based on the hypothetico-deductive method, explain why this study's outcome does not automatically disprove the psychologist's broader theory that chronic stress impairs spatial memory. What should the psychologist do next with their theory?
A psychology researcher wants to test the theory that high social support buffers against physiological stress. Apply the hypothetico-deductive method by writing a specific, testable hypothesis that could be evaluated in an empirical study.
Example of Deriving a Hypothesis from Habituation Theory
Testing Competing Theories with Hypotheses
Which of the following accurately describes one of the main strategies researchers use to derive a hypothesis from a scientific theory?
A researcher notices that an established theory of social conformity describes an internal cognitive mechanism that has never been directly measured in any published study. The researcher then creates a hypothesis predicting specific observable outcomes if that mechanism operates as the theory claims. This approach illustrates deriving a hypothesis by identifying an untested component within a theory and designing an empirical test for it.
A researcher is deriving a hypothesis from a theory by determining what the theory logically implies for a specific research question. Arrange the steps of this derivation process in the correct logical order, based on the following scenario regarding memory and environment.
You are designing a research protocol to test a specific unobserved mechanism within 'Self-Determination Theory' called 'autonomous internalization.' This process posits that individuals only integrate external rules into their own value systems if they perceive a high degree of choice during the initial learning phase. If you are applying the strategy of isolating an unobserved component to derive your hypothesis, which of the following would you construct as your primary testable prediction?
A researcher wants to derive a hypothesis by focusing on a specific internal process within a theory that has never been measured. Arrange the steps of this strategy in the correct logical order.
Researchers use specific strategies to derive testable hypotheses from theories. Match each research scenario with the hypothesis-derivation strategy it illustrates.
Researchers derive testable hypotheses from scientific theories using specific strategies and conceptual building blocks. Match each term to its correct description.
When a researcher evaluates a scientific theory's utility for a novel research question, they must judge whether the theory's internal logic successfully _____ a specific answer that can be empirically tested.
A cognitive psychologist is studying decision-making. They identify a specific, unmeasured component within an established decision theory and design an experiment with a hypothesis specifically meant to measure it. True or False: In doing so, the researcher is using the strategy of analyzing whether an existing theory logically implies an answer to a research question.
When evaluating how to test the boundaries of a developmental theory, a researcher decides to focus on a theoretical construct that has never been measured or seen in previous literature. To evaluate this specific part of the theory, the researcher must generate a hypothesis to empirically test that specific _____ element.
Learn After
Example of Testing Competing Theories: Self-Judgment
What is the primary advantage of formulating a single hypothesis to distinguish between two competing scientific theories with mutually exclusive outcomes?
A researcher notices that Theory A predicts participants will perform better on a memory task under noisy conditions, while Theory B predicts they will perform worse. She designs a single experiment to test both predictions at once. If the results show that participants performed worse under noisy conditions, this outcome would provide evidence supporting Theory B while simultaneously counting as evidence against Theory A.
A researcher is studying memory. Arrange the following steps in the correct logical order to implement the strategy of testing the competing theories of 'Trace Decay' and 'Interference' using a single hypothesis.
A researcher is testing two competing theories regarding the effect of background music on study efficiency. Theory A (Cognitive Load Theory) proposes that certain music reduces stress and cognitive load, predicting higher test scores with music. Theory B (Distraction Theory) proposes that music acts as a distractor, predicting lower test scores with music. Match the following research outcomes or study components with their logical role in testing these competing theories.
Imagine you are designing a critical experiment to adjudicate between two rival theories of 'Forgetting.' Theory A () posits that memories 'decay' over time purely due to the passage of time. Theory B () posits that memory loss occurs only because 'new information' interferes with the old. To create a mutually exclusive test, you decide to have participants learn a list of words and then sit in a 'quiet, dark room' with no new stimulation for one hour. Which of the following research hypotheses 'Creates' the most logically sound mutually exclusive test for these theories?
In the strategy for testing competing theories, researchers derive a single hypothesis where the different theories imply mutually exclusive outcomes.
Match each component of the strategy for testing competing theories with the description that best reflects its logical role in a psychological research study.
When judging the scientific merit of a research design intended to adjudicate between two rival theories, a researcher must ensure that the study tests a single hypothesis where the theories predict _____ outcomes, so that the empirical results cannot be consistent with both explanations simultaneously.