PSY 105 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Research, Random Assignment, Informed Consent
17 May 2016
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A theory is based upon observations that lead researchers to develop ideas about the laws that govern processes and behaviours. However, a sound scientific theory must first be proven. Therefore, researchers create hypotheses (specific statements that are objectively falsifiable meaning they can be disproved). In an experiment, a researcher will use different levels of an independent variable in an effort to change a condition or event that relates to his or her hypothesis. An experimental design that uses random assignment will allow a researcher to make causal attributions about any significant results revealed. A correlation coefficient gives us both the direction/sign (a negative correlation versus a positive correlation) and size/strength of the relationship between the variables (how far away from 0 and toward either +1 or 1 the correlation coefficient is). In order to describe the differences between the scores of experimental groups and control groups, researchers calculate the mean and standard deviation of each group.
