Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) Research Methods Practice Test

Positivism is an ontology that stresses the significance of empirical scientific evidence as the foundation for knowledge. This perspective suggests that knowledge should be derived from observable phenomena and empirical data, aligning closely with the scientific method. Positivists believe that through careful observation and measurement, objective truths about the world can be uncovered, and theories can be tested and validated.

In research, positivism advocates for quantitative methods that allow for the statistical analysis of data and often emphasizes the use of experiments and surveys to establish causal relationships. This methodology is particularly valuable in psychology when researchers strive to understand behaviors, mental processes, and outcomes based on solid evidence and replicable results.

All of this underscores why positivism is the correct choice, as it directly correlates with the reliance on empirical evidence in the acquisition of knowledge and scientific validation.