PSYB01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Observational Error, Richard Lewontin, Vise
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Construct an abstraction or concept that is specified in theory to describe, explain, and predict wide range of empirical findings. Not directly observable but has indicators, which are cast as variables that can be measured by collecting data. Constructs must be translated into operational definitions specifies variables. Construct of anxiety is operationalized into dependent variables. But operational definition identifies the independent variables that are expected to produce the construct. Bushman & baumeister: investigated conditions that produce the construct of interpersonal violence. The operational form was when participants were randomly assigned to the study condition of their essays receiving the worst grades, which is the independent variable. The dependent variable was the decibel level of noise that the participants delivered to their opponent, or their marker. They also tested for narcissism, which showed higher decibels. Independent variable intervening variable dependent variable. Staged manipulation hope to mimic these lab conditions that lead to real world situation.
