PSYC207 Study Guide - Final Guide: Hat, Cortisol, Face Validity

• School: University of Delaware
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC207
• Professor: Peter Mende-Siedlecki

Document Summary

The theory-data cycle: scientists collect data to test, change, or update their theories, ex: iphone example theory sets you up for certain questions, when you take systematic steps to solve a problem, you are participating in the theory-data cycle. Theory: set of statements that describe general principles about how variables relate to one another. Hypothesis: prediction, way of stating the specific outcome the researcher expects to observe if the theory is accurate. Data: set of observations, may either support or challenge a theory, data that match the theory"s hypotheses strengthen confidence in the theory, data that does not match indicates that the theory needs to be revised. Have parsimony: good theories are supported by data, a theory supported by a large quantity and variety of evidence is a good theory, good theories are consistent with out observations of the world. Good theories are falsifiable: falsifiability= a theory must lead to hypotheses that, when tested, could actually.