PSYC 2360 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Scientific Method, Interpersonal Attraction, Homicide

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2360
• Professor: Gloriagonzalez-morales

Document Summary

Purpose of behavioral research: to increase our understanding of behavior and, where possible, to provide methods for improving the quality of our lives. The results of such research are becoming increasingly relevant to our perception of human problems such as homelessness, illiteracy, psychological disorders, family instability, and violence. Research is being used more and more frequently to help guide public policy. Behavioral research has been used to guide court rulings on racism, sexism, on the use of lie detectors in criminal trials. Behavioral research is also being used to help us understand which methods of educating children are most effective (teachers are being trained to make use of the most effective techniques) other scientific approaches. Behavioral research also provides important information that complements: ex. In the field of medicine peoples own behavior is implicated in most of the leading killers, including homicide, lung cancer, heart disease, and aids.