INTRO: THE SCIENCE OF

PSYCHOLOGY (1.1)
PsychologyThe scientific study of behavior, thought, and experience, and how they can
be affected by physical, mental, social and environmental factors.

1. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Scientific MethodA way of learning about the world through collecting observations,
developing theories to explain them, and using the theories to make predictions.

The scientific method involves a dynamic interaction between hypothesis testing

and the construction of theories.

A. Hypothesis: Making Predictions

Hypothesis (Plural: Hypotheses)A testable prediction about processes that

can be observed or measured.
Hypothesis can be supported or rejected (you do not prove a hypothesis), and
scientific hypothesis must be testable.
PseudoscienceAn idea that is presented as science but does not actually utilize
basic principles of scientific thinking or procedure.

B. Theories: Explaining Phenomena

TheoryAn explanation for a brad range of observations that also generates new
hypotheses and integrates numerous findings into a coherent whole.
In other words, theories are general principles or explanations of some aspect od
the world (including human behavior), whereas hypotheses are specific
predictions that can test the theory or, more realistically, specific parts of that
theory.
Theories are built from hypotheses that are repeatedly tested and confirmed.
An essential quality of scientific theories is that they can be proved false with
new evidence. In fact, any scientific theory must be proven falsifiable; just as
researches can discover evidence that is in support of the theory, they can also
discover evidence that challenges the theory.
A few common issues that have occurred about scientific theories:
i.

Theories are not the same thing as opinions and beliefs.

ii.

All theories are not equally plausible.

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iii.

A measure of a good theory is not the number of people who believe it to be

true.

C. The Biophysical Model

Biopsychosocial ModelA means of explaining behavior as a product of
biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors.
Biological influences on our behavior involve brain structures and chemicals,
hormones, and external substances such as drugs.
Psychological influences involve our memories, emotions and personalities, and
how these factors shape the way we think about and respond to different people
and situations.
Social influences such as our family, peers, ethnicity, and culture can have a
huge effect on our behavior.
All of these factors are interconnected, and one cannot work without the other.
The most important message is that almost every moment of our lives are
occurring at all three levels.

2. BUILDING SCIENTIFIC LITERACY

Scientific LiteracyThe ability to understand, analyze and apply scientific
information.

Being scientifically literate means that you know how to read and interpret new
terminology, or know where to go to find out more.

A Critical Thinking, Curiosity, and a Dose of Healthy Skepticism

Critical ThinkingIt involves exercising curiosity and skepticism when evaluating the
claims of others, with our own assumptions and beliefs.

The ability to think critically can be learned and developed, but most of us need to
make a conscious effort to do so.

Core set of habits and skills for developing critical thinking:

i.
ii.
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iv.
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vi.

Be curious. Simple answers are sometimes too simple, and common sense is not
always correct.
Examine the nature and source of the evidence; not all research is equal quality.
Examine assumptions and biases. This includes your own assumptions as well as
the assumptions of those making claims.
Avoid overly emotional thinking. Emotions can tell us what we value, but they are
not always helpful when it comes to critical decisions.
Tolerate ambiguity. Most complex issues do not have clear cut answers.
Consider alternative viewpoints and alternative interpretations of the evidence.

Critical thinking means considering other viewpoints, but also means that some
ideas can be incorrect.

Critical thinking does not mean being negative or arbitrarily critical; it simply means
that you intentionally examine knowledge, beliefs and the means by which
conclusions were obtained.

Critical thinking involves cautious skepticism. Being skeptical can be challenging

especially when it means asking for evidence that we may not want to find.

Being curious and skeptical leads you to ask important questions about the science
underlying claims.