PSYC 1000 Chapter Notes -Random Assignment, Blind Experiment, Standard Deviation

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1000
• Professor: Dan Meegan

Document Summary

Scientific method: self correcting process for evaluating ideas with observation and analysis, describe and explain human nature, takes hunches and plausible sounding theories and puts them to the test. If data supports predictions, even better for the theory. If not theory can be revised or rejected. Theory explains with principles that organize observations and predict behaviours: organize isolated facts a theory simplifies, link those with deeper principles and theory offers useful summary, connect observed dots have coherent picture. Hypothesis is a testable prediction, often implied by a theory: specify what results would support the theory and what disconfirm it. Operational definitions used to check bias: a statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables. Hunger hours without eating, generosity money contributed: others can then replicate study. Original observations with different participants materials and circumstances. Theory is useful if it: organizes a range of self reports and observations.