Which of the following exemplifies the empirical method?
- A student in a psychology class writes his term paper on whether or not fish feel pain.
- A student writes a letter to his professor requesting a change in course policy.
- Dr. Hysock-Witham decides to start her course later because so many students arrive late.
- Dr. Sarkeesian observes and records how watching cartoons influences heart rates.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
Dr. Sarkeesian observes and records how watching cartoons influences heart rates.
Explanation:
The empirical method is a way of gaining knowledge through direct observation, experimentation, and data collection rather than relying on intuition, reasoning, or personal beliefs. Empirical research involves forming hypotheses, collecting measurable data, and analyzing the results to draw conclusions.
Dr. Sarkeesian’s approach exemplifies the empirical method because she is actively observing and recording data about how watching cartoons affects heart rates. This process follows the scientific method, which involves systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation. By collecting quantitative data (heart rates), she can analyze the relationship between watching cartoons and physiological responses.
In contrast, the other options do not involve empirical research:
- Writing a term paper on whether fish feel pain may involve reviewing existing literature but does not include direct observation or experimentation.
- Writing a letter to a professor is a form of communication, not scientific inquiry.
- Deciding to start class later due to student tardiness is a personal decision based on observation, but it lacks systematic data collection and analysis.
Empirical research is essential in psychology and other sciences because it allows researchers to test hypotheses, verify facts, and establish cause-and-effect relationships. Without empirical methods, conclusions would be based on speculation or opinion rather than objective evidence.
Now, I’ll generate an image representing a scientist observing and recording heart rates while participants watch cartoons.
Here is the generated image depicting a scientist observing and recording heart rates of participants watching cartoons. Let me know if you need any modifications!
