PS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Blind Experiment, Central Tendency, Histogram
Document Summary
Organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain phenomena and how they are related. In science nothing considered theory until its proven. Statement that attempts to predict or account for a set of phenomena; specifies relationships; empirically tested. In psychology there is no solid theory, things come and go. Define terms in hypotheses by specifying the operations for observing and measuring the process or phenomenon. Skepticism scientists do not accept ideas on faith or authority, must be skeptical treat conclusions with caution caution balanced with openness to new ideas and evidence. I. e. whites smarter than blacks, men smarter than women, old accepted theories that were changed with evidence over time. Anecdotes are insufficient (i. e. one case cannot and will not always represent the average or norm and therefore not conclusive evidence) 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.
