Psychology 2042A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Pseudoscience, Clinical Trial, Behaviorism

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2042A/B
• Professor: Jeff St.Pierre

Document Summary

Lecture 1 - intro to normal and abnormal behaviours. Introduction: research studies in abnormal child psychology seek to, define normal and abnormal behaviour for children of different ages, sexes, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Identify the cases and correlates of abnormal behaviour: make predictions about long-term outcomes, develop and evaluate methods for treatment and/or prevention. A scientific approach: requires that a claim be based on theories backed up by empirical evidence from well-designed studies before conclusions are drawn. Nature and distribution of childhood disorders: epidemiological research is the study of incidence, prevalence, and co-occurrence of disorders. New cases of a disorder appear over a specified time period: prevalence rates - all cases, new and existing, observed during a specific time period. Correlates, risks, and causes: correlates - variables associated at a particular point in time, no clear proof that one precedes the other, risk factors - variables that precede an outcome of interest.