PSYC 101 Chapter Notes -Central Tendency, Psych, Demand Characteristics

• School: UBC
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 101
• Professor: Barbara Cox

Document Summary

Scientific method- a set of rules that governs the collection and analysis of data gained through observational studies or experiments. Psychologists conduct 3 major types of scientific research: naturalistic & clinical observation. Naturalistic observation- observation of the behaviour of people or animals in their natural environments. Provide foundations of the biological & social sciences. Maria montessori formed her ideas about child development by watching children in a classroom. Clinical observation- observation of the behaviour of people who are undergoing diagnosis or treatment. These methods are the least formal & least constrained. Observational evidence identifies the phenomenon & may indicate something about its magnitude. Problem of observational studies: behaviour is observed, not explained. Clinical psychologists often report the results of their observations as case studies. Case study- a detailed description of an individual"s behaviour during the course of clinical treatment of diagnosis. Study a small number of individuals in greater depth.