PSYC 215 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Control Variable
11 Mar 2013
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The goal of science: to understand, not to describe- this is why it is like this. The way you understand is your ability to explain the cause. Scientists have to convince/ prove to others that their cause is correct by disproving all the other causes science is self-defending. Social psychologists don"t have to defend causes. Sometimes third cause- cars and babies, related by healthy economy. Scientists take world and break it down into variables- properties of a situation that vary (involved in understanding) Others, who cares how the kids are doing the only important thing is that they"re happy. Must look at all variables and for each one make one of four choices: Measure a variable- dependent, how they"re doing depends on. Manipulate a variable (independent variable)- worthy of study. Natural brain, good teacher is not deciding factor high self esteem contributes- politically correct (causal variable?) not applicable.
