PSYC 1001 Chapter Notes - Chapter 02: Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Dependent And Independent Variables, Descriptive Statistics
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Looking for laws: the scientific approach to behavior. The scientific approach assumes that events are governed by some lawful order. Develop measurement techniques that make it possible to describe behavior clearly and precisely. Scientists believe that they understand events when they can explain the reasons for the occurrence of the events. To evaluate their understanding, scientists make and test predictions called hypotheses. Hopefully information gathered of practical value to solve everyday problems. Understanding a phenomenon helps to exert more control over it. [def"n] a hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. [def"n] variables are any measurable conditions, events, characteristics, or behaviors that are controlled or observed in a study. [def"n] a theory is a system of interrelated ideas used to explain a set of observations. (more encompassing than a hypothesis. ) Hypothesis must be formulated precisely, and variables under study must be clearly defined. Step 2: select research method & define study.