PSY 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Scientific Method, Observer-Expectancy Effect, Institutional Review Board
Document Summary
Form questions and find support for our predictions using observation. Objectively free from bias and expectation. Predictions are statements about how likely it is that something will occur. Needs to be worded so that they can be tested scientifically. If we can predict behavior, then we can create conditions to control behavior. Find different ways to help or intervene in that behavior. Sometimes, it"s not enough to just describe something. A theory is an explanation or model of how a phenomenon works. Consisting of interconnected ideas or concepts, a theory is used to explain prior observations and to make predictions about future events. A specific, testable prediction, narrower than the theory it"s based on. Falsifiable: it should be possible to test hypotheses that show the theory is wrong. You begin by deciding which questions about paying attention while driving are of greatest interest.
