EXPLANATION IN

SCIENTIFIC PSYCHOLOGY

CATHERINE G. JAVIER
Lecturer II, Psychology Program
College of Arts and Sciences
Batangas State University-Malvar Campus
TOPIC 1 OUTCOMES
•Give the meaning of Theory.
•Differentiate Induction and Deduction Method.
•Discuss how theory can be turned to Hypothesis.
• Evaluate Theories.
What is the goal of scientific
psychology?
Making Sense of the World
Social Loafing – phenomenon which people
when working in a group often seem to “slack off”
in their effort.
Diffusion of responsibility – a possible reason
for social loafing.
FIXATION OF BELIEF
Method of Authority
The simplest way of fixing belief is to take
someone else’s word on faith.
Method of Tenacity
It is commonly seen in racial bigots who rigidly
cling to a stereotype even in the presence of good
example.
A Priori Methods
A general cultural outlook.
FIXATION OF BELIEF
 Scientific Method
Fixed belief on the basis of experience.
 Determinism
The belief that observable causes determine events.
 Empirical
Old Greek word meaning “experience”.
 Self-correcting
The second advantage of science is that it offers
procedures for establishing the superiority of one belief
over another.
WHAT IS THEORY?

A theory can be crudely defined as a set of

related statements that explains a variety of
occurrences. The more the occurrences and the
fewer the statements, the better the theory.
INDUCTION AND DEDUCTION
Induction
Reasoning proceeds from particular data to
a general theory.
Deduction
Reasoning proceeds from a general theory
to particular data.
FROM THEORY TO HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis
Is a very specific testable statement that can
be evaluated from observable data.
Generalization
Is a broader statement that cannot be tested
directly.
EVALUATING THEORIES
Parsimony
The fewer the statements in a theory, the
better the theory.
Precision
Theories that involve mathematical
equations or computer problems are generally
more precise, and hence better, than those that
use loose verbal statements (all other things
being equal, of course)
EVALUATING THEORIES
Testability
Testability goes beyond precision. A theory
can be very precise and yet not able to be tested.
Ability to fit data
A theory must fi t the data it explains.
INTERVENING VARIABLES
Are abstract concepts that link independent
variables to dependent variables. Gravity is a
familiar construct that accomplishes this goal.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE REAL WORLD
Applied Research
Aims at solving a specific problem.

Basic Research
Has no immediate practical goal.
THANK YOU! ☺