PSYC 2360 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Skeptical Movement, Illusory Correlation, Scientific Method
29 May 2013
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Document Summary
People seek explanation; however, instead of scientific method they use intuition and authority as a way of knowing. Involves finding explanation for our own behavior of others: problem: cognitive and motivational biases affect our perceptions so we draw erroneous conclusions about cause and effect. The scienti c approach rejects the notion that one can accept on faith the statements of any authority. The scientific approach to acquiring knowledge recognizes that both intuition and authority are sources of ideas about behavior. Scientist are very skeptical about what they see and hear. Scientific skepticism means the ideas must be evaluated on the basis of careful logic and results from investigations. Fundamental characteristic of sci. method is empiricism knowledge is based on observations. Data are collected that form the bases of conclusions about the world. Scientists make observations that are accurately reported to other scientists and the public; other can replicate the methods used and obtain same results.
