PS101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Dependent And Independent Variables, Confirmation Bias, Leappad
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Ps101 chapter 2: research (cid:1) (cid:1) (cid:1) (cid:1) (cid:1) Science: systematic observation isaac newton, experimentation. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour. Why do we need scientific method to study psychology: it"s a set of safeguard against two human tendencies: To seek out evidence that supports our hypothesis and deny, dismiss, or distort evidence that doesn"t confirmation bias. To cling to our beliefs despite contrary evidence belief perseverance. Usually the first step in understanding behaviour or mental processes. Naturalistic observation & laboratory observation, case study: explain/explanation. Researchers try to understand the causes of the behaviour/mental processes. When researchers can specify conditions which will likely cause the behaviour or cognitive process to occur. Cause and effect experiment/quasi-experiment: control/influence. When researchers can change a condition or manipulate something to bring about desired outcomes. Prevent some behaviours; increase others (cid:1) (cid:1) (cid:1) (cid:1) (cid:1) (cid:1) Naturalistic and laboratory observations: playground versus big brother.