PS101 Lecture Notes - Standard Deviation, Naturalistic Observation, Longitudinal Study
Document Summary
Scientists do not accept ideas on faith or authority treat conclusions, both old and new, with caution. Caution balanced with openness to new ideas & evidence: reliance on empirical evidence. Gathered through the use of various research methods: willingness to make risky predicitons . A scientific theory must make predictions that are specific enough to disconfirm the theory. Predicts not only what will happen but also what will not happen. Tendency to seek and accept evidence that supports our theories & ignore evidence that contradicts beliefs: openness explain the source of ideas, how they were tested and what the results were so replication possible. Peer review process ensures scientific standards and provides system of checks & balances. Goal to describe and predict behaviour but does not allow causal explanations. Essential for all studies is obtaining a representative sample. A detailed description of a particular being studied or treated.
