PSYC 1010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Operational Definition

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1010
• Professor: Rebecca Jubis

Document Summary

Scientific method- based on empirical data (direct observation) Observations = a theory eg) frustration causes aggression. Operational definition: how to measure and define the thing you are studying (very specific). eg) frustration & aggression. Hypothesis: a statement that you come up with to help prove a theory. *theory is(cid:374)"t true u(cid:374)less you prove every possi(cid:271)ility or variable in an experiment* Never throw away an inaccurate study, change it instead. The result of o(cid:374)e study does(cid:374)"t (cid:373)ake it true. Ea(cid:272)h study is o(cid:374)e pie(cid:272)e of the puzzle. Survey method- attitudes and behaviours gathered on survey and questionnaire. Instead of whole population you give the survey to a sample of the population. Sample must be representative of the population in order to genialize your findings.