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Using your understanding of the clinical practice of psychology, explain why this psychologist's plan to rely on anecdotes instead of empirical research contradicts the essential approach of their discipline.
Case context: A counseling psychologist is hired by a community clinic to address a rise in local behavioral problems. The psychologist wants to design an intervention program quickly and is considering using a popular therapy method based on positive anecdotes from other therapists, rather than consulting empirical research.
Question: Using your understanding of the clinical practice of psychology, explain why this psychologist's plan to rely on anecdotes instead of empirical research contradicts the essential approach of their discipline.
Sample answer: The clinical practice of psychology requires a rigorous scientific approach where clinicians make evidence-based treatment decisions by relying on empirical research. By using anecdotes instead of empirical research, the psychologist is failing to use scientific evidence to accurately understand the behavioral problems. This compromises the requirement for evidence-based practice and could lead to ineffective diagnosis and treatment.
Key points:
- Clinical practice requires a rigorous scientific approach.
- Clinicians must rely on empirical research to accurately understand problems.
- Treatment decisions must be evidence-based rather than anecdotal.
Rubric: The student's explanation must show comprehension of: 1) the requirement of a rigorous scientific approach in clinical practice, 2) how empirical research is necessary to accurately understand psychological and behavioral problems, and 3) how treatment decisions must be evidence-based rather than anecdotal.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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