PSY 1101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Central Tendency, Explained Variation, Normal Distribution

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 1101
• Professor: Najwa Haddad

Document Summary

Philosophers have identified at least three methods by which we can gain knowledge ( truth ). We gain knowledge through communication with a higher, nonphysical being. Presumably this higher being knows much more than mortal humans. This knowledge is presumed to be absolute (it cannot be wrong) and thus, it is truth. We then must have belief or faith in this divine truth: pure logic and thought (aristotle). If we are logical enough in our reasoning, we should be able to deduce all knowledge. Scientific process: observation of the universe, define a problem, search the literature, development of theory, testing of hypothesis (unbiased, objective), data collection, analyses of the data and interpret the results. Theories/hypotheses: theory - predicts behaviour or events. Theories are formed after a review and synthesis of the relevant literature. It is based on existing fact: theory vs speculation (opinions). A theory is only formed after an objective review and synthesis of already published research.