Theories and Models
- A theory is a testable, general idea used to explain behaviour.
- A model is a simplified representation of a process or structure.
- Both theories and models aim to aid in research.
Example
- Social identity theory posits that we categorize people into groups, identify with our group, and begin to compare ourselves with and discriminate against other groups.
Example
- The multi-store memory model aims to explain how memory works, from sensory memory to short-term memory and long-term memory.
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive reasoning is generating general ideas from specific circumstances.
- Deductive reasoning takes general ideas and generates specific hypotheses.
Example
Inductive Reasoning
- I have seen 5 crows.
- They all had beaks.
- Therefore, all crows have beaks.
Example
Deductive Reasoning
- All men are mortal.
- Hugh is a man.
- Therefore, Hugh is mortal.
Note
- In psychology, inductive reasoning would be generating theories from observations.
- Deductive reasoning would be generating hypotheses from theories.
Reflection
Self review
- Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning.
- How can we generate hypotheses from theories?
