PSYCH 100 Lecture Notes - Operational Definition, Dependent And Independent Variables

• School: UMASS-Amherst
• Department: Psychology & Brain Sciences
• Course: PSYCH 100
• Professor: tamararahhal

Document Summary

Used to systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest. 1) identifying questions 2) formulating an explanation: carrying out research 4) communicate findings. Theories are broad explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of interest. Diffusion of responsibility the more bystanders present the less chance of any of them helping. Hypothesis is a prediction stemming from a theory. Where do hypotheses come from: dissatisfaction with other"s theories, new question about research, personal observation and curiosity. Operational definition is the translation of a hypothesis into specific and testable procedures. What is the nature of the behavior: case study. Examine one person in depth to understand human nature in general. Researcher observes people and systematically records measurements of their behavior. Two types: unobtrusive/naturalistic no interaction, participant interaction is necessary. Limits: lack of generalizability/some behaviors are difficult to observe: survey research. Using questionnaires to ask lots of people to report their behavior.