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Social Research Methods
1. 4 Errors:
Illogical
Reasoning
2. 4 Errors:
Over-
generalizatio
n
3. 4 Errors:
Observ- ing
4. 4 Errors:
Resis- tance to
change
When we prematurely jump to conclusions or argue on the basis of
invalid as-
sumptions.
Occurs when we unjustifiably conclude that what is true for some cases is
true for
all cases.
Ex:
There
are
many
over
generalizations
in
blogs.
-
Selective Observation: Choosing to look only at things that are in line
with our
preferences or beliefs.
Ex:
Noticing
that
women
in
your
oflce
complain
a
lot
-
Inaccurate
Observation:
An
observation
based
on
faulty
perceptions
of
empirical
reality.
Ex: You are sitting in a computer lab and you think there are 14 students
present,
when there are actually 17.
The reluctance to change our ideas in light of new
information.
Ex:
Science
shows
milk
is
bad
for
us,
so
we
should
listen
to
them.
-
Common
May
occur
because
of:
-
Ego-based
commitments
-
Excessive
devotion
to
tradition
-
Uncritical
agreement
with
authority
5.
What is science?
A
set
of
logical,
systematic,
documented
methods
for
investigating
nature
and
natural processes; the knowledge produced by the
investigation.
The
scientific
approach
to
answering
questions
about
the
natural
world
and
the
social world is designed to greatly reduce these potential sources of
error in
everyday reasoning.
