PSYC 1030H Study Guide - Comprehensive Midterm Guide: Confounding, Object Permanence, Naturalistic Observation
6 Feb 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Research methods are important: must be able to attach operational definitions to variables. Reliability: extent to which observations can be replicated, are measures dependable or stable, common factors affecting reliability. Validity: extent to which observations actually reflect the topic of interest in a given study. Seven stages of the scientific methods in psychology: description of the research problem sets stage for all later. Begin to transform it from a general idea into a testable study. Operational definitions: definition of behaviours or qualities in terms of how create or choose our operational definitions for the study they are to be measured: prediction. Formulate testable predictions or hypotheses (about operational definitions) Hypotheses are usually based on theories: select our research methodology. Chose the most appropriate research strategy for answering your hypotheses: taking control of your variables. Try to eliminate all unwanted factors that may affect what we are trying to study.
