The Need for Scientific

Methodology
Ma. Fatima B. Bacala, Maed,RGC.
In our daily lives, we all collect
and use psychological data to
understand the behavior of
others and to guide our own
behavior.
 COMMONSENSE
PSYCHOLOGY
The kind of everyday
nonscientific data gathering
that shapes our expectations
and beliefs and directs our
behavior toward others.
 NONSCIENTIFIC SOURCES
OF DATA
CONFIRMATION BIAS
The belief that we know
something, we tend to overlook
instances that might disconfirm
our beliefs and we seek, instead
confirmatory instances of
behavior
 OVERCONFIDENCE BIAS
Our predictions, guesses, and
explanations tend to feel much more
correct that they actually are and the
more data we have available, the more
confidence we have in our judgements
about behavior.
 SCIENTIFIC METHOD
The steps scientist take to gather and
verify information, answer
questions, explain relationships and
communicate this information to
others
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF
MODERN SCIENCE
THE SCIENTIFIC MENTALITY
The psychologist’s goal of prediction
rests on a simple, but important
assumption: Behavior must follow a
natural order; therefore it can be
predicted.
GATHERING EMPIRICAL DATA
Data that are observable or
experienced
It can be verified or disproved
through investigation.
 GOOD THINKING
A central feature of scientific method

Our approach to the collection and

interpretation of data should be systematic,
objective and rational.
It includes being open to new ideas even when
they contradict our prior beliefs or attitudes.
Good thinking is also follows the rule of logic
 REPLICATION
It is another important part of the scientific
approach.
Science is a method.
It’s not what you study,
but how you study it.
 Scientific Method
1. 1. observe some phenomenon
2. 2. formulate hypothesis and
predictions
3. 3. test through empirical research
4. 4. draw conclusions
5. 5. evaluate the theory
 Scientific Method: Observe
Step 1
Observe some phenomenon
 curiosity

 variables

 theory
 Scientific Method: Hypothesize
Step 2
Formulate hypotheses and predictions

 testable prediction

 derived from theory

 Scientific Method: Research
Step 3
Test through empirical research

 operational definition of variables

 analyze data using statistical procedures
 Scientific Method: Conclusions
Step 4
Draw conclusions

 replication of results → reliability

 Scientific Method: Evaluate
Step 5
Evaluate the theory

 change the theory?

 peer review and publication
 meta-analysis