PSYC 3140 Chapter Notes -Operationalization, Null Hypothesis, Scientific Method
Document Summary
Multi-method approach uses a variety of methodologies. Hypothesis: testable statement of what we predict will happen in the study. Null hypothesis: the expectation that no relationship exists between the phenomena being studied. Variable: a factor or characteristic that can vary within an individual or between individuals: dependent variable: is the factor being predicted in a study. Independent variable: the factor that is believe to affect the dependent variable. A stressor is an event that is uncontrollable, unpredictable and challenges one"s coping abilities. Stress, on the other hand, has been used to refer to people"s emotions and behaviours in response to such stressful events. Operationalization is the way a researcher measures or manipulates the variables in a study. Our definitions of depression and stress will influence how we operationalize these variables. Example: if we define depression as symptoms meeting criteria for a depressive disorder, then we will operationalize depression as diagnoses.
