PSYC 2360 Chapter 1: Review and Discussion Questions - Chapter 1.docx

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2360
• Professor: Naseem Al- Aidroos

Document Summary

Review and discussion questions (chapter 1: behavioural research is the study of human behaviour so we can better understand how people think, feel, perceive, make decisions and interact with others. It is important to conduct behavioural research so we can guide public policy, improve upon methods for improving the lives of others, and understand what methods are most effects, among others. The scientific method must be objective, meaning there is no prior expectations or personal biases on the research. This method must also distinguish between facts and values. The scientific method, if followed, ensures that the research is free of personal biases and prior expectations. The researcher must also be willing to let go of their intuition if it means that a simpler explanation can be used. Science is more objective depending on the type of research we conduct. Often, in naturalistic observation studies, behaviour must be operationally defined to ensure consistency among observers.