PSYA01H3 Lecture Notes - Jane Goodall, Falsifiability, Frequency Distribution
Document Summary
Scientific process usually begins with a theory somebody"s explanation meant to explain what they"ve seen. Predictions that can be empirically tested in a way that might prove them to incorrect (i. e. falsifiable). Freud"s theories of human behaviour and religious existence theories (creationism) are often criticized for being un-falsifiable and therefore, impossible to test: freud"s idea of the conscious couldn"t be tested: Id wants right away without worrying about consequences. Superego wants to be best person possible. Ego works to balance out the other two parts. Falsifiable is what is wanted by scientists because it means it can be tested. Goal of observations: to find patterns in behaviour. Pros: the researcher is placed right into the culture/environment. Cons: mere presence of researcher and the act of observation can change a situation. Example: an alien is in a class to study them. The class reacts with shock and is uneasy.
