E-Book Overview
Why Science Matters: Understanding the Methods of Psychological Research rises above standard research methods texts by presenting an up-to-date view of contemporary psychological science as it is currently understood and practiced. - Explores not only the procedural aspects of psychological research, but also delves into the issue of how to accomplish effective science.
- Explicates how hypotheses and theories are to be evaluated.
- Suggests that the proper approach to devising and evaluating theories is by abduction, not by induction or deduction alone.
- Incorporates new investigatory procedures, current methodologists, conflicts and issues, implications of the philosophy of science, and a lively prose style.
- Provides a picture of science that will engage students and expand their abilities as both scientists and psychologists.
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WHY SCIENCE MATTERS
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Robert W. Proctor and E. J. Capaldi
Understanding the Methods of Psychological Research
WHY SCIENCE MATTERS
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© 2006 by Robert W. Proctor and E. J. Capaldi BLACKWELL PUBLISHING 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148-5020, USA 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford OX4 2DQ, UK 550 Swanston Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia The right of Robert W. Proctor and E. J. Capaldi to be identified as the Authors of this Work has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by the UK Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988, without the prior permission of the publisher. First published 2006 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd 1
2006
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Proctor, Robert W. Why science matters : understanding the methods of psychological research / Robert W. Proctor and E.J. Capaldi. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-3357-9 (hardcover : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 1-4051-3357-0 (hardcover : alk. paper) ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-3049-3 (pbk. : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 1-4051-3049-0 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Psychology—Research— Methodology. 2. Psychology, Experimental—Research—Methodology. I. Capaldi, E. John. II. Title. BF76.5.P68 2005 150′.72—dc22 2005014826 A catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library. Set in 10/12.5pt Palatino by Graphicraft Limited, Hong Kong Printed and bound in India by Replika Press, Pvt Ltd, Kundli The publisher’s policy is to use permanent paper from mills that operate a sustainable forestry policy, and which has been manufactured from pulp processed using acid-free and elementary chlorine-free practices. Furthermore, the publisher ensures that the text paper and cover board used have met acceptable environmental accreditation standards. For further information on Blackwell Publishing, visit our website: www.blackwellpublishing.com
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CONTENTS
Preface for Instructors Preface for Students
viii x
Part 1: Major Methodological Changes in Science from Antiquity to the Present
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Chapter 1: Understanding Science: The Armchair versus Practice Introduction Justification of methodological practices Precursors to contemporary science: an historical overview Research paradigms, programs, and traditions Naturalism: a brief introduction Remainder of book Chapter summary
3 3 4 8 14 16 18 19
Chapter 2: Major Issues to Emerge in 20th Century Approaches to Science Introduction Logical positivism Operatio