PSYC 2000 Lecture : Unit 1 Notes
Document Summary
Attempts to describe, predict and explain though and behavior. Uses scientific method: system for reducing bias and error in the measurement of data. Start with a hypothesis- a specific testable statement about relationships in nature. Example-- hypothesis: intoxicated people show less motor coordination. Testing this: introduce subjects, lay out your variables, include factors that may skew data, ensure consent from participants. Data: careful observations or numerical measurements of a phenomenon. Variables: aspects of a situation that can change, or vary. Dependent variable: measured as the i. v. is changed. True experiment: involve random assignment and controlled manipulation, causal claims possible. Quasi- experiment: used to study pre- existing conditions when random assignment of subject cannot be used. Case study: observe one or very few subjects in great depth, over a long period of time, advantages: only method so appropriate for some cases, disadvantages: problems with generalizing the results. Surveys: collect data from groups of people using questionnaires or interviews .
