FRHD 1010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Naturalistic Observation, Scientific Method

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Family Relations and Human Development
• Course: FRHD 1010
• Professor: Susan Chuang

Document Summary

Scientific method: is used when researchers want to examine a particular topic/issue in an objective way, ensuring that their personal biases do not influence their work. Begin with curiosity researchers use a theory, prior research, or a personal observation to identify a question of scientific interest. Develop a hypothesis the research question is turned into a specific prediction that can be tested. Choose a research design to test the hypothesis a research study is designed. & conducted to gather the empirical evidence (data). Collect data to draw conclusions evidence (i. e. , findings) from the research study used to support/refute the hypothesis. Report the results data, conclusions, interpretations, & alternative explanations of your research are shared. Each new finding could extend previous findings/provide new ideas & directions on the topic. A scientific method for gathering information is systematic and objective, whether used in physical or social sciences.