It is the proper role of a psychological research scientist to:
A) Question data
B) make safe predictions
C) Keep research methods accessible only to those involved in the research
D) Avoid making predictions.
I know it's not (B) and i don't think it's (D) either. I'm leaning towards (C) keeping method to only ones involved but then i doubt myself about (A).
Please help!
The answer is almost in the question. The question is:
"It is the proper role of a psychological research SCIENTIST to:" (I emphasized the word "Scientist.")
A scientist is a person who studies something using the scientific method. The scientific method involves:
--Asking a Question
--Doing Background Research
--Constructing a Hypothesis
--Testing the Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
--Analyze the Data and Draw a Conclusion
--Communicating the Results
So I'd say your answer is "A." If you come across data, the first thing you should do is question it. You definitely don't want to keep the methods used in your experiment only to those involved. This would violate the last rule.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option and its relevance to the role of a psychological research scientist:
A) Question data: This is a fundamental aspect of scientific research, including psychology. Scientists critically analyze and question the data they collect to ensure its validity and reliability. It involves examining the results, detecting any potential flaws or biases, and considering alternative explanations. Questioning data is an essential part of the scientific process, so this option is a plausible choice.
B) Make safe predictions: While making predictions is an important aspect of psychological research, the term "safe predictions" is not specific enough. Predictions in psychology are made based on theories, evidence, and empirical data. However, it is crucial to note that psychological predictions are never 100% certain or "safe" as human behavior is complex and influenced by various factors. Therefore, this option may not fully capture the role of a psychological research scientist.
C) Keep research methods accessible only to those involved in the research: Transparency and openness are essential in scientific research, including psychology. Sharing research methods is crucial to facilitate replication, peer review, and the advancement of knowledge. Concealing methods from others in the scientific community goes against the principles of transparency and collaboration, which are central to scientific progress. Therefore, this option is less likely to be the correct answer.
D) Avoid making predictions: Making predictions is a critical aspect of psychological research. The main objective of research is to develop theories and test their predictions. Predictions allow researchers to study cause-and-effect relationships and explore patterns in human behavior. Avoiding predictions would hinder the progress of psychological research, making this option unlikely to be the correct answer.
Based on the analysis above, option A) questioning data appears to align best with the proper role of a psychological research scientist. Critical evaluation and questioning of data are essential for ensuring the validity and reliability of research findings. Therefore, option A) is the most plausible choice for the correct answer.