PSYC1101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Social Desirability Bias, Demand Characteristics, Observer-Expectancy Effect
Document Summary
Science: a self-correcting process which gathers and evaluates empirical evidence to answer questions and test predictions. Empirical evidence: gained through experience and observation. Basic research: the quest for knowledge for its own sake. Examines how and why people behave, think and feel. (categories are based on the studies purpose, not its relevance). Applied research: deliberately designed to solve specific and practical problems. Draws on basic knowledge/findings to design intervention programs to fix problems. Hypothesis: a specific prediction about some phenomenon that often takes the form of an if-then statement. Theory: a set of formal statements that explains how and why certain events are related to one another. Variables: a variable is any characteristic or factor that can vary. Operationalised variables: defines a variable in terms of the specific procedures used to produce or measure it. Translates abstract concepts into something observable and measurable. Build a body of knowledge theory created (strongest test for scientific understanding).
