AHSS*1120 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Scientific Method, Operational Definition, Naturalistic Observation
Document Summary
Gathering evidence: steps in scientific process: identify question of interest, gather information form hypothesis (specific prediction, test hypothesis - conduct research, analyze data draw tentative conclusions, build a body of knowledge build theory (formal statement) Relies on explanations after-the-fact": college sweethearts. Absence makes the heart grow fonder : drawback: Past events can be explained in many ways. Satisfies curiosity, builds knowledge, generates principles that can be applied to new situations: good theories, organize information in meaningful way, are testable, have prediction supported by research, conform to law of parsimony, simpler theory is preferred. E. g. , stress, weight, reaction time: operational definition. Defines a variable in terms of specific procedures used to produce or measure it: how would we study stress. Issue: social desirability- desire to make good impression. Issue: establishing link between physical responses & mental events: behavioural. Seeks to identify how humans and other animals behave, particularly in natural settings. Provides information about the diversity of behaviour.
