PSYC 100 Chapter 2: Psych 100 Chapter 2
13 Apr 2018
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Document Summary
Today we use the word dogmatism to describe the tendency for people to cling to their assumptions and. Empiricism the belief that accurate knowledge can be acquired through observation. Empiricism is the essential element of the scientific method. Scientific method a procedure for finding truth by using empirical evidence. Scientific method suggests that when we have an idea about the world, we should gather empirical evidence relevant to that idea and then modify that idea to fit with the evidence. Theory a hypothetical explanation of a natural phenomenon. When scientists set out to develop a theory, they generally follow the rule of parsimony: which says that the simplest theory that explains all the evidence is the best one. Hypothesis a falsifiable prediction made by a theory. Empirical method a set of rules and techniques for observation. Method of observation which allow them to determine what people do. Method of explanation which allow them to determine why people do it.
