PSYC 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Parietal Lobe, Cranial Nerves, Naturalistic Observation

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Katherine Fretz

Document Summary

1. original definition of scientific methods seek explanations for observed phenomena make testable predictions test hypotheses. --the scientific method helps scientists in all fields create and test of models of nature. An idea, or a conceptual model, that is designed to explain existing facts and make predictions about new facts that might be discovered . To test a theory, we have to generate a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a testable prediction about processes that can be observed and measured. You can think of it as an educated guess based on the explanations and assumptions that comprise( ) a theory: characteristics of scientific methods: verifiability. Observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal points of view. empiricism. Functional accounts (what behavior or mental process is observed, and what is its purpose, either within an individual or within his/her social context?) Stress evolutionary theory, learning, personality, and cultural factors. Flow chart of scientific methods e. g. design a study.