PSYB01H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Experiment, Demand Characteristics, Random Assignment
Document Summary
In general, children who watch violent television programs tend to behave more aggressively toward peers and siblings. Question: can we assume a causal relationship between watching violent tv and acting violently: not necessarily. Although causality generally implies correlation, correlation does not necessarily imply causality. In an experiment, at least one variable is manipulated (or systematically varied) by the researcher in order to study its effects on another variable. 3 criteria must be met to establish cause and effect: Covariation of cause and effect show that there is a correlation before finding causation - Before you can show that you have a causal relationship, you have to show that you have a relationship. Temporal precedence the presumed cause must occur prior to the presumed effect. No plausible alternative explanations - the presumed cause must be the only reasonable explanation for changes in the outcome measures.
