Question

When drawing conclusions about behavior, psychologists rely on

a. their own perosnal beliefs
b. what is known as "common sense."
c. objectively collected information.
d. their everyday observations of people.

Answer 1

Psychologists draw conclusions about behavior based on objectively collected information and empirical evidence, using methods like case studies and experiments that are subject to peer review.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Psychological Research

When drawing conclusions about behavior, psychologists rely on objectively collected information. Unlike relying on personal judgments or common sense, psychologists base their conclusions on empirical evidence which includes data collected from direct experience or scientific study. This evidence is gathered through rigorous methodologies such as case studies, experiments, and peer-reviewed research. The information is then analyzed to explain behavior and the cognitive as well as physiological processes that underlie it. This systematic approach helps to ensure that the findings are reliable and not biased by personal opinions or limited observations.

Examples of psychological research methods include observational techniques, interactions with participants such as interviews or questionnaires, and controlled experiments. The validity of conclusions drawn from this research is often strengthened by peer review, where other experts in the field assess and attempt to replicate the findings. Through these methods, psychological knowledge advances and becomes more accurate over time.

Answer 2

Psychologists draw conclusions based on objectively collected information, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence and scientific methods free of personal biases.

Step-by-step explanation:

When drawing conclusions about behavior, psychologists rely on objectively collected information. Personal opinions, common sense, and everyday observations can be subject to bias and limited data. Thus, psychology, like other scientific fields, emphasizes empirical evidence which derives from direct experience or scientifically gathered data. This empirical evidence is observed consistently and can be verified by peer-review and repeated experimentation. Examples of such research methods include controlled experiments, in-depth interviews, and observational studies.