PSY 102 Study Guide - Final Guide: Socioeconomic Status, Pragmatics, Supercharger
22 Jan 2018
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Must go beyond description: explain underlying mechanisms, predict behaviour. Science is not a body of knowledge, it is an approach to knowledge. Science begins with empiricism knowledge should be acquired through observation. Observations are refined, theories are generated, and specific hypotheses are tested to determine if they are accurate. We know our observations are biased so we have to put checks and balances in place to ensure that we aren"t fooling ourselves and others. We need to observe, generate theories, test those theories with falsifiable hypotheses, and revise, and interpret from there. Key ingredients: an open mind to all claims, accept only those claims that have been subjected to stringent scientific tests, unwillingness to accept claims based only on authority alone, willingness to change your mind with new evidence. Originally psychology was considered a part of philosophy. Identify the basic elements of psychological experience. Create a periodic table" of elements of consciousness.
