uwo psych 2801 - FINAL PT 1

• phenomenon: A general result observed in empirical research with established answers
• theory: An explanation of phenomena including unobserved variables or principles
• theoretical framework: Context applied to understand a phenomenon
• parsimony: Theory should include only necessary concepts for explanation
• purpose of theories: Organize phenomena to help people think about them clearly and efficiently, allow to make predictions, generate new research and new questions
• formality: Clarity and detail in specifying theory components and relationships
• formal theories:  more difficult to create and understand- sometimes requiring a certain amount of mathematical or computer programming background - but more precise in their predictions and therefore easier to test
• informal theories: easier to create and to understand but less precise in their predictions (makes it more difficult to test)
• scope: Number and diversity of explained phenomena by a theory
• theoretical approach: Types of theoretical ideas used in constructing theories
• functional theories: Explain phenomena based on function or purpose
• mechanistic theories: Focus on specific variables and processes producing phenomena
• stage theories: Specify stages individuals pass through in development or adaptation
• typologies: Organize people or behavior into specific types
• Hypotheticodeductive method: Method starting with phenomena, constructing theory, making predictions, and testing
• models: Precise explanations for specific phenomena
• perspectives: Broad approaches to explaining phenomena
• working truths:Theories that are modified based on testing hypotheses
• direct replication: Repeating a study to see if the same results are obtained
• conceptual replication: Using different methods to test the same research question
• replication crisis: Challenges in replicating research findings
• incentives to publish:

  • Academics are rewarded for publishing (with jobs, grants, tenure, respect etc) which can motivate people to take shortcuts
• questionable research practices:

  • Little ways to adjust your design, analysis and reporting so that you can boast the desired effect p <.05
• p value:

  • The probability that you would get these results if the null hypothesis were true
• specific QRPs: measure the dependent variable in different ways, gradually add more observations, add or drop covariates, add or drop experimental conditions
• measure the independent variable in different ways: measure age in years, months and only report the one that works
• gradually add more observations: keep adding participants until you see what you like
• add or drop experimental conditions: some participants also listened to another song - but doesn't fit so it isn't used
• false positives: incentives, QRPs, file drawer problem
• false positives: Incorrectly identifying a result as significant
• open science movement: Promotes transparency and reproducibility in research