Empirical Questions Activity

Activity

Your task is to determine which of these questions are appropriate to study using scientific methods on the worksheet. Please follow the directions.

Instructions

Psychology is an empirical science; that is, its knowledge is obtained through observation, experimentation, and measurement. Some questions cannot be answered empirically and are, therefore, outside the realm of science.

First, decide whether scientific research can answer the questions below and respond “yes” or “no” to each question. Do not try to answer the question itself. Just say whether or not scientific research can, in principle, address the question. Briefly explain why each question is, or is not, a good candidate for scientific inquiry. Submit this completed worksheet to the Unit 2 Activity Assignment on Canvas.

Second, go to the Unit 2 Activity on your Tribe homepage and post about ONE of the questions that you think CANNOT be studied scientifically. Include in your post your brief explanation as to why it is not a good candidate for scientific inquiry.

Extra Credit: Your Tribe has an opportunity to earn up to 15 Extra Credit points for all its members. Read each others’ posts and come to a consensus about at least ONE of the questions that you all agree CANNOT be scientifically studied. Your Tribe will then need to identify one ‘Tribe Representative’ who will submit your consensus answer (including your Tribe’s name and brief explanation as to why it cannot be studied) to the Unit 2 Activity - Group Extra Credit before Sunday, July 21 at 11:59PM CT.

If your Tribe’s answer is accurate, EVERYONE in your Tribe will earn +15 points.