Why Science Matters: Understanding the Methods of Psychological Research

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.

Table of Contents:
Preface for Instructors. Preface for Students. Part I: Major Methodological Changes in Science from Antiquity to the Present. 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. Chapter 2: Major Issues to Emerge in 20th Century Approaches to Science. Introduction. Logical Positivism. Operationism. Popper's Falsificationism. Kuhn's Psychologism and Historicism. Chapter Summary. Chapter 3: Methodology in the Postpositivist Era. Introduction. Naturalism in Science. Lakato's Sophisticated Falsificationism. Laudan's Research Traditions and Normative Naturalism. Giere's Cognitive Approach. The Rise of Relativism. Chapter Summary. Part II: Naturalism and Modern Science. Chapter 4: Theory Testing. Introduction. Scientific Theory. Types of Theory. Hypothesis Testing. Induction and Deduction. Abduction and Theory Construction. Chapter Summary. Chapter 5: Inference to the Best Explanation. Introduction. Evaluating Theories: A Critical Evaluation of Criteria. Resolution of Ambiguity Over Time. Natural Selection. Brain Function and Cognitive Neuroscience. Consilience. Chapter Summary. Chapter 6: The New Means of Understanding Science. Introduction. Empirical Methods for Better Understanding Science, Scientific Practice, and Scientists. Chapter Summary. Part III: Applying Naturalism to Contemporary Methodological Issues in Psychology. Chapter 7: Postmodernism and the Rejection of the Conventional Conception of Science. Introduction. Underdetermination and Incommensurability. Postmodernism. Our Critique. Chapter Summary. Chapter 8: Qualitative Research Methods. Introduction. Rationale for Qualitative Methods. Varieties of Qualitative Methods. Chapter Summary. Chapter 9: Critical Evaluation of Qualitative Inquiry's Approach to Qualitative Methods. Introduction. Justification of Qualitative Methods. Misunderstanding of Positivism. Specific Positions of Qualitative Researchers. Chapter Summary. Chapter 10: Internal and External Validity. Introduction. Applications of Scientific Psychology. Scientific Psychology Opposes Pseudoscience. Chapter and Book Summary. References. Glossary of Terms. Glossary of Names. Author Index. Subject Index.