The Scientific Method Of Psychology - 1394 Words

Unit 1 – Intro and Research Methods 1. Empiricism states that knowledge can only be derived from the senses. Every science utilizes the empirical approach, which has developed into the utilization of the scientific method to gain knowledge. (McLeod, 2008) Since psychology depends on the scientific method to attain knowledge, psychology can conclusively be considered a science. Besides empirical evidence, some other key traits of a science are the following: objectivity, control, predictability, hypothesis testing, and replication. (McLeod, 2008) Psychology ensures objectivity via single-, double-, and triple-blind experiments. Causation can only be confirmed in psychology through an experiment where all variables (besides the independent†¦show more content†¦Humanism was developed in response to the pessimism of psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Humanists believe that all humans have free will and the ability to reach self-actualization (Cherry, n.d.). Out of all three of the early psychological schools, humanis m is the most optimistic. 3. The three psychological perspectives that we will be focusing on for the IB Exam are biological, cognitive, and sociocultural. These three different perspectives would analyze a behavior, such as being afraid of heights, in three different ways. A psychologist who subscribes to the biological perspective might say that a person is afraid of heights due to abnormalities in the anterior insular cortex. A psychologist who subscribes to the cognitive perspective may say that a person is afraid of heights because he or she associates heights with danger in his or her thoughts. A psychologist who subscribes to the sociocultural perspective may say that a person is afraid of heights because their friends and family are afraid of heights, so they learn to be afraid of heights as well. 4. Four types of research studies that psychologists may conduct are case studies, observational studies, tests, and surveys. A case study is when one individual is carefully observed and test. The information derived from the observations and tests are used to formulate a detailed description of the individual. The major advantage