Joaquin has been assigned a primary research project in his psychology class. He is to observe student behavior during a learning task andattempt to for a(an) ________. In order to do this, he must be able to describe principlesand events, and how they may be related.
Would it be:
(a) theory
(b) hypothesis
(c) operational definition
(d) scientific method
I chose (b) theory
I disagree.
I assume your assignment is:
"and attempt to form a(an) _______"
After observations, what is the next step in the scientific method?
It is the proper role of a psychological research scientist to: the research.
The correct answer is (b) hypothesis. A hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation that can be formed based on observations or previous knowledge. In this case, Joaquin is observing student behavior during a learning task and attempting to form a hypothesis about their behavior. A hypothesis helps to guide the research process and provides a potential explanation for the observed behavior.
Actually, the correct answer is (b) hypothesis.
In this context, a hypothesis refers to a specific statement or prediction that Joaquin will make based on his observations during the learning task. It is a tentative explanation of the relationship between certain principles, events, or variables in the study. A hypothesis is essential because it guides the research and helps to determine the type of data that needs to be collected in order to support or reject the hypothesis.
A theory, on the other hand, is a broader and more comprehensive explanation that is supported by a substantial amount of empirical evidence. It is usually developed after repeated testing and confirmation of hypotheses in multiple studies. So, while Joaquin's research project may contribute to the development of a theory in the future, at this stage, he is focused on formulating a hypothesis.
Operational definition refers to the specific way in which a variable or concept is measured or manipulated in a study, while the scientific method is a general process of conducting research that involves systematic observation, measurement, and experiment. So, neither (c) operational definition nor (d) scientific method are the most appropriate answers in this context.