Define theory. Why are theories vital tools? How do theories differ from opinions or beliefs?
What will be an ideal response?
A theory is an orderly, integrated set of statements that describes, explains, and predicts behavior. Theories are vital tools for two reasons. First, they provide organizing frameworks for our observations of people, guiding and giving meaning to what we see. Second, theories that are verified by research provide a sound basis for practical action. Once a theory helps us understand development, we are in a much better position to know how to improve the welfare and treatment of children and adults. Theories are influenced by the cultural values and belief systems of their times. But theories differ from mere opinion or belief: A theory's continued existence depends on scientific verification. Every theory must be tested using a fair set of research procedures agreed on by the scientific community, and findings must endure, or be replicated over time.
You might also like to view...
Prepare a proposal to your university's institutional review board (IRB) advocating for the approval of your translational research designed to pilot an innovative educational strategy for use with young children with autism. In your proposal, identify the pros and cons of "traditional" or basic research and translational research
What will be an ideal response?
You are watching television while expecting an important phone call. Periodically you think you hear the phone and pick up the receiver only to hear a dial tone. According to signal detection theory, what type of error have you made?
a) true negative b) true positive c) false negative d) false positive
Mr. Dugan belongs to an older adult lunch club. The other members of the club, while not intimates, are Mr. Dugan’s __________ friends
A) primary B) intergenerational C) joint D) secondary
Which of the following occurs among individuals who cannot or choose not to conform to societal gender norms and those who deviate from their gender behavior?
A. gender variation B. frotteurism C. transmisogyny D. behavior anomaly