Discussion: People sometimes suggest that psychology cannot be a science because either
(a) human behavior cannot be predicted with perfect accuracy or (b) much of its subject matter
(e.g., thoughts and feelings) cannot be observed directly. Do you agree or disagree with each of
these ideas? Why?
(a) Sometimes people argue that because human behavior cannot be perfectly predicted,
psychology cannot be a science. I disagree with the statement made here. The inability
to predict accurately human behavior does not discredit psychology as a science
because science does not demand perfect prediction but rather seeks to explain
phenomena through methodical observation, investigation, and theory development.
Psychology employs scientific techniques, including statistical analysis, longitudinal
research, and experimental studies, to investigate human behavior. Though individual
behavior may be influenced by a multitude of factors, psychological study attempts to
find patterns, trends, and underlying principles that help explain and predict behavior
with reasonable accuracy, even if not perfectly.
(b) Some claim that because a large portion of psychology's subject matter—such as
thoughts and feelings—cannot be directly observed, psychology cannot be a science.
Although I somewhat agree with this claim, psychology is still valid as a science.
Thoughts and emotions are not as readily observable as physical facts in other sciences,
psychology uses a variety of techniques to investigate them indirectly. Psychologists
may employ self-report measurements, behavioral observations, brain imaging
techniques, and physiological measures to examine feelings and ideas. Additionally,
developments in neuroscience have shed light on the biological foundations of emotion
and cognition. Even though examining internal states can be difficult, psychology
nevertheless follows scientific methods by systematically collecting data, testing
theories, and improving theories based on empirical findings. Therefore, psychology can
be regarded as a science despite the fact that thoughts and feelings are not always
readily visible because of its precise approach and commitment to explaining human
behavior and mental processes.
MA. ANGELYKA T. HILARIO
BS PSYCHOLOGY 3-2
Discussion: Consider the following psychological claim. “People’s choice of spouse is strongly
influenced by their perception of their own parents. Some choose a spouse who is similar in
some way to one of their parents. Others choose a spouse who is different from one of their
parents.” Is this claim falsifiable? Why or why not?
It is possible to refute the psychological claim that "People's choice of spouse is strongly
influenced by their perception of their own parents." Falsifiability, especially in theories and
hypotheses, is a key criterion in science that reveals whether a claim can be demonstrated to be
untrue through empirical observation or experimentation.
This claim can be tested and possibly refuted by empirical study, making it falsifiable.
Psychologists may initiate research to investigate the possibility of a significant relationship
between an individual's choice of spouse and their parents' perception. Participants' perceptions
of the traits of their spouse and parents could be gathered, and the relationship between the two
variables can then be examined. The claim would be considered falsifiable if empirical data
consistently contradicts it, for example, by showing a lack of significance between people's
perceptions of their parents and the spouses they choose. On the other hand, the validity of the
claim is strengthened if the evidence backs it up.
It is important to note, however, that although the claim is falsifiable, it may be difficult to
say whether it is true or false because of the complexity of human behavior and the wide range
of variables that might affect partner choice. But the claim is falsifiable within the scientific
paradigm since it can be tested through empirical study.
MA. ANGELYKA T. HILARIO
BS PSYCHOLOGY 3-2
Practice: Find a description of an empirical study in a professional journal or in one of the
scientific psychology blogs. Then write a brief description of the research in terms of the cyclical
model presented here. One or two sentences for each part of the cycle should suffice.
Identify Research Question: The goal of the study is to evaluate the literature on the
relationship between academic success and parental participation. To accomplish this, 75
studies published between 2003 and 2017 will be analyzed in order to identify the essential
parental involvement variables.
Formulate Hypothesis: According to the hypothesis, students' academic achievement will be
correlated with a number of parent involvement factors across various age groups, including
reading at home, having high parental expectations, communicating about school, and providing
support for learning.
Design Study and Collect Data: The study identifies and evaluates empirical research that
looks into the relationship between academic achievement and parental involvement using a
systematic review methodology. Patterns and trends in the literature are found by synthesizing
data that are gathered from peer-reviewed journals.
Analyze Data: Researchers classify the data based on an age-related classification in order to
identify any changes across developmental stages. They then examine the outcomes of the
analyzed research to evaluate the relationship between specific parental involvement factors
and academic achievement.
Interpret Results: The findings imply that a number of parental involvement factors are
consistently linked to improved academic achievement in students of all ages, including reading
aloud to them at home, having high parental expectations, communicating with them about
school, and providing support for their education.
Communicate Findings: The review's conclusions are shared by being published in an
academic journal. This helps to shed light on the relationship between parental involvement and
academic achievement as well as the significance of particular parental behaviors in fostering
student success.
Generate New Research Questions: In light of the results, scientists suggest additional study
questions to delve deeper into the mechanisms behind the relationship between academic
achievement and parental involvement, as well as any moderating or mediating factors that
might have an impact on this correlation.
Reference:
Boonk, L., Gijselaers, H. J. M., Ritzen, H., & Brand-Gruwel, S. (2018). A review of the
relationship between parental involvement and students' academic achievement. Educational
Research Review, 24, 10-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2018.03.002
MA. ANGELYKA T. HILARIO
BS PSYCHOLOGY 3-2
Practice: Based on your own experience or on things you have already learned about
psychology, list three basic research questions and three applied research questions of interest
to you.
Basic Research Questions
1. How does the brain process and interpret emotions differently in individuals who
suffer with anxiety disorders and those who do not?
2. What are the impacts of childhood experiences on the development of
attachment styles in adulthood?
3. How does social isolation affect the development and maintenance of
interpersonal relationships?
Applied Research Questions
1. What strategies can be implemented at the workplace to reduce stress and
enhance the well-being of the employees?
2. How can artificial intelligence be utilized to improve the access to mental health
services and support for communities that are hard to reach by humans?
3. What educational interventions can be tailored to promote academic motivation
and engagement among at-risk youth?
Practice: List three empirical questions about human behavior. List three non empirical
questions about human behavior.
Empirical Questions
1. How does parental involvement affect the development of Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in preschool-aged children?
2. Does mindfulness meditation (e.g. yoga) decrease the symptoms of anxiety in
adolescents and young adults?
3. What impact does violent media have on the development of aggressive behavior
in children?
Non-Empirical Questions
1. How does it feel to experience extreme grief?
2. What is the purpose of dreams?
3. How can an individual say they are in love?
MA. ANGELYKA T. HILARIO
BS PSYCHOLOGY 3-2
