PSYC 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Scientific Method, Dependent And Independent Variables, Informed Consent

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jordan Poppenk

Document Summary

Topic 1: the scientific method: describe why psychologists employ the scientific method, explain the importance of verifiability, reliability and objectivity, explain the five principal steps of the scientific method. What are theories: peter gray idea, or conceptual model, designed to explain existing facts and make predictions about new facts that may be discovered. Hypothesis testable prediction about processes that can be observed and measured. Verifiability theory is testable by others (allows for replication) Objectivity ability to observe and test facts independently and away from bias. Reliability measure that provides consistent and stable answers across multiple observations and points in time. Scientific method = empiricism, because knowledge is gained through observable facts and experiences. Identify the utility, advantages, and disadvantages of correlational studies: review the steps in the scientific method. Operational definitions describes the operation that makes the concept observable and measurable (memory) Use of survey data, describe relationship between two variables.