{"id":1596,"date":"2016-10-26T01:00:52","date_gmt":"2016-10-26T01:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/101psych.com\/?p=1596"},"modified":"2024-11-04T01:46:55","modified_gmt":"2024-11-03T16:46:55","slug":"evaluating-psychological-theories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2016\/10\/26\/evaluating-psychological-theories\/","title":{"rendered":"Evaluating Psychological Theories"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Updated Aug 2020<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Remember that before you can begin to evaluate a psychological theory you must first <em><strong>know and understand\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>the theory in question. Once you know and understand the theory, including what it is a theory of (i.e. what it&#8217;s attempt to explain and how) and the key components of the theory, you can then begin your evaluation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2017\/10\/24\/lets-make-a-d-e-a-l-evaluating-theories-in-three-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Let&#8217;s make a D.E.A.L &#8211; evaluating theories in three simple steps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2019\/11\/11\/how-to-evaluate-any-study-in-3-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to evaluate any study in 3 simple steps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>I try my hardest not to do my own evaluations of research on this blog (or in my classroom). I see it as my job to provide students with the tools to conduct their own evaluations, hence this particular post. If I do the evaluation for you I am reducing the critical thinking to mere remembering. The same applies for evaluating studies.<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Questions to Ask When Evaluating Theories<\/span><\/h1>\n<h2>Where&#8217;s the supporting evidence?<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_13203\" style=\"width: 232px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/?attachment_id=13175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"attachment noopener wp-att-13203 noreferrer\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13203\" class=\"wp-image-13203 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=222%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"222\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=222%2C300&amp;ssl=1 222w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=757%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 757w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1040&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=1135%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1135w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=100%2C135&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=906%2C1226&amp;ssl=1 906w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C1624&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/ib-psych-revision-guide-1.jpg?w=1513&amp;ssl=1 1513w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-13203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Click the image to download your free revision guide preview.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A good\u00a0first step in evaluating a psychological theory is to find the evidence that supports the theory. You need to be able to <em><strong>describe<\/strong> <\/em>at least one relevant study and then to <em><strong>explain<\/strong> <\/em>how that study supports the theory. This should be relatively easy for most theories and most researchers who propose the theory have also conducted the supporting research.<\/p>\n<p>A logical second step is to find evidence (e.g. a study) that <em>contradicts<\/em> the theory. i.e. the study suggests the theory is inaccurate. You can then describe and explain the contradictory study.<\/p>\n<h2>What are the strengths and\/or limitations of supporting evidence?<\/h2>\n<p>You can also\u00a0provide a methodological critique of\u00a0the supporting studies. This is another way of demonstrating critical thinking because you are evaluating the theory by evaluating its supporting evidence.<\/p>\n<p>You can read more about how to evaluate psychological studies in 3 simple steps <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/YUTkqRknNok?si=ND_UQkFi5rsb6YGx\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>To what extent is the theory applicable?<\/h2>\n<p>A theory generally attempts to explain some aspect of human behaviour or mental processes, so you can evaluate a theory by looking at the extent to which the theory can explain one or more examples of the behaviour\/s in question.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, the Multi-store Model of Memory attempts to explain memory formation. Can it explain\u00a0<strong><em>all\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>types of memory? Can it, for instance, explain procedural memory? (I&#8217;m not saying it can&#8217;t, I&#8217;m just asking the question for you to answer!)<\/p>\n<p>Are there some instances that the theory cannot be applied? This is valuable critical thinking practice.<\/p>\n<h2>Are there alternative explanations available?<\/h2>\n<p>If a psychological theory is the only plausible explanation then it&#8217;s probably a pretty strong theory. However, what if other explanations are available? This is a good way to evaluate and discuss psychological theories.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, Realistic Conflict Theory can be used to explain inter-group conflict as the result of competition for resources. However, Social Identity Theory suggests that inter-group conflict can occur <em>without<\/em> competition for resources. Here we have two theories attempting to explain the same phenomenon (inter-group conflict) with different explanations.<\/p>\n<p>Other alternative explanations could come from a different level of analysis. For instance, a biological\u00a0explanation of\u00a0behaviour could be offered to critique a social explanation. Does inter-group competition happen between\u00a0<em><strong>all\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>groups? What about groups of men versus groups of women. Perhaps there are biological differences between the genders which results in a lot more riots at soccer matches than at netball matches.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Remember you can&#8217;t evaluate a theory until you actually understand what the theory is trying to explain. Therefore, make sure you fully comprehend the theory and can summarize it clearly before tackling an evaluation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Is there a better explanation available?<\/h2>\n<p>An excellent way to approach psychological theories is to look for alternative explanations (as outlined above). You might even be able to find better explanations than the theory you are evaluating has provided. This is really extended your knowledge of psychological theories and is a very challenging piece of critical thinking.<\/p>\n<h2>Is the theory applicable cross-culturally?<\/h2>\n<p>If a theory is claiming to be able to explain human behaviour and\/or mental processes, then it should be able to be applied across different cultures. Most psychological theories are developed in Western countries and so it&#8217;s relevant and useful to challenge the extent to which these theories can be applied in different cultural contexts.<\/p>\n<p>A useful understanding of Hoefstede&#8217;s theory of cultural dimensions (e.g. individualism and collectivism) is useful here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated Aug 2020 Remember that before you can begin to evaluate a psychological theory you must first know and understand\u00a0the theory in question. Once you know and understand the theory, including what it is a theory of (i.e. what it&#8217;s attempt to explain and how) and the key components of the theory, you can then begin your evaluation. Read More: &#8230; <\/p>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2016\/10\/26\/evaluating-psychological-theories\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":13245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rs_blank_template":"","rs_page_bg_color":"","slide_template_v7":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-assessment-ib","category-research-methodology"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Evaluating Psychological Theories | The IB Psychology Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to evaluate psychological theories by understanding their key components and supporting evidence. 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Updated Aug 2020.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2016\/10\/26\/evaluating-psychological-theories\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2016\/10\/26\/evaluating-psychological-theories\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2016\/10\/26\/evaluating-psychological-theories\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/10\/bigstock-200958328.jpg?fit=900%2C900&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/10\/bigstock-200958328.jpg?fit=900%2C900&ssl=1","width":900,"height":900,"caption":"Evaluating a theory is really about figuring out if it's just a theory or if it's actually a fact."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2016\/10\/26\/evaluating-psychological-theories\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Evaluating Psychological Theories"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/","name":"IB Psychology","description":"by Themantic Education","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/#organization","name":"Themantic Education","url":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/06\/them-ed-logo.png?fit=1465%2C1858&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/06\/them-ed-logo.png?fit=1465%2C1858&ssl=1","width":1465,"height":1858,"caption":"Themantic Education"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/facebook.com\/themanticeducation\/","https:\/\/youtube.com\/c\/themanticeducation\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/#\/schema\/person\/de20f76afd22df7d71e141ab515c0827","name":"Travis Dixon","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6ee7465953db9edfb653802c2423ee0be4456f3cf73a4ae4032bdda760a9a5e0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6ee7465953db9edfb653802c2423ee0be4456f3cf73a4ae4032bdda760a9a5e0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6ee7465953db9edfb653802c2423ee0be4456f3cf73a4ae4032bdda760a9a5e0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Travis Dixon"},"description":"Travis Dixon has been teaching for over 20 years and is an experienced IB Psychology, History and English teacher, author, workshop leader and examiner","url":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/author\/tdixon\/"}]}},"yoast":{"focuskw":"psychological theory","title":"","metadesc":"Learn how to evaluate psychological theories by understanding their key components and supporting evidence. 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It was only recently when\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Assessment (IB)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Assessment (IB)","link":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/category\/assessment-ib\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/08\/bigstock-152018942.jpg?fit=900%2C589&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/08\/bigstock-152018942.jpg?fit=900%2C589&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/08\/bigstock-152018942.jpg?fit=900%2C589&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/08\/bigstock-152018942.jpg?fit=900%2C589&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1459,"url":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2016\/10\/25\/what-is-a-psychological-theory\/","url_meta":{"origin":1596,"position":3},"title":"What is a psychological theory?","author":"Travis Dixon","date":"10\/25\/2016","format":false,"excerpt":"In the IB Psychology course there are a range of theories that students need to be familiar with. But it's easy to dive straight into the complex assignments like evaluating these theories, and to overlook asking the simple questions. Here are just some of the theories that may be relevant*\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12034,"url":"https:\/\/www.themantic-education.com\/ibpsych\/2019\/04\/28\/exam-question-bank-paper-2-human-relationships\/","url_meta":{"origin":1596,"position":4},"title":"Exam Question Bank: Paper 2 Human Relationships","author":"Travis Dixon","date":"04\/28\/2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Disclaimer: These questions are not IB \"official\" questions and are written with our best guess as to what the probable exam questions may look like. 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