PSY100H1 Chapter 2: Chapter 2.docx
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PSY100H1 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Scientific method: a systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena to answer questions about what happens, when it happens, what causes it, and why. The scientific method depends on theories, hypotheses, and research. Theory: an explanation or a model of how something in the world works, consisting of interconnected ideas and concepts. Hypothesis: a specific prediction of what should be observed in the world if a theory is correct. Research: scientific process that involves the systematic and careful collection of data. Serendipity: when researchers unexpectedly discover something important. Three main types o designs: descriptive, correlational, and experimental. Differ in the extent to which the researcher has control over the variables in the study. Variable: something in the world that can be measured and that can vary. Operational definitions: identifying and quantifying variables so they can be measured. Descriptive studies involve observing and classifying behavior. Observational studies: involve observing and noting behavior to analyze it objectively.
