S.B. – 3
Observation as a Base

As of Oct. 20, 2017

As observable relations in behavior are sought and found, a new frontier is opened up. It is pointless to argue about whether non-observables exist or do not exist. Natural science has made tremendous advancements by dealing with observables. Since psychology is a science, it is based upon observation, as are physics and chemistry. In psychology the advantage of dealing with observable data is that one learns faster if the hypothesis about what is causing a behavior is accurate.

3-1. One advantage of using observable evidence is that we find out sooner if our hunch or hypothesis about the cause of behavior is correct.
A. True
B. False

Answer. (A)

All sciences use observation as their source of raw data. Observation is the most elementary aspect of the method used by a scientist. In the traditional scientific method, observation and description are listed as the first step. Observation is therefore the focal point for a specific scientific inquiry.

3-2. The raw data of physics is, as far as observation goes, essentially different from the observation of raw data in psychology.
A. True
B. False

Answer. (B)

3-3. The basic data of physics is observation while that of psychology is speculation.
A. True
B. False

Answer. (B)

3-4. The focal point of science is _____.
A. observations by the scientist
B. mathematics
C. philosophy
D. truth

Answer. (A)

3-5. The most elementary aspect of the method used by scientists is _____.
A. experimentation
B. observation
C. common sense
D. scientific theory

Answer. (B)

3-6 The starting point in any psychological study is _____.
A. a theory
B. observation of some behavior
C. problem solving method
D. research method

Answer. (B)

3-7. A person at a debate hears a discussion about how many teeth a horse has. The person suggests that the debaters find a horse and count its teeth, but he/she is immediately ejected from the debate by the members horrified at such an outlandish notion. The young
person is ejected for being too oriented to _____.
A. cuteness
B. observable data
C. deductive reasoning
D. seductive reasoning

Answer. (B)

 

Questionable Science Techniques Step 1, 8:00 PM: Bill drinks 1 martini. Result: There is no visible effect. Step 2, 8:05 PM: Bill has a White Russian. Result: Bill states he is “Happy.” Step 3, 8:15 PM: Bill slams a beer. Result: Bill stumbles & slurs. False Conclusions based on these observations: 1. Martinis are not intoxicating. 2. White Russians are slightly intoxicating. 3. Beer is extremely intoxicating.