PSYC 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Observer-Expectancy Effect, Scatter Plot, External Validity

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jens C Pruessner

Document Summary

Careful scientific research, way of finding answers to empirical questions. Scientific method: systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena to answer questions about what, when, cause, why; involves interaction between theories, hypotheses, research. Scientific method depends on theories, hypotheses, research: theory: explanation of how phenomenon works, interconnected ideas/concepts, used to explain prior observations, make predictions about future. Hypothesis: specific, testable prediction of what should be observed if theory is correct. Research: systematic, careful collection of data: objective observations/measurements, provide way to test hypothesis. Cyclical process necessary for good research, theory continually refined by new hypotheses and tested by new methods: theories should generate hypotheses: good theory produces wide variety of testable hypotheses, e. g. piaget"s stage theory vs. freud"s interpretation of dreams. Wiesel and hubel: brain cells respond to lines and edges. Designs differ in extent to which researcher has control over variable; amount of control determines type of conclusions that can be drawn.