PSYA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Scientific Misconduct, Selective Breeding, Confounding
Document Summary
2. 1 - principles of scientific research: one of the most important aspect of scientific research is objectivity. Objective measurement: the measure of an entity or behavior that, within an allowed margin of error, is consistent across instruments and observers. The way that a behavior is measured must be the same regardless of who is doing the measurement or tools that are used. Variable: the object, concept, or event being measured. Each variable can be described and measured. It is possible to examine the same variable using a number of different technique. Operational definitions: a statement that describes the procedures/operations and specific measures that are used to record observations. Intoxications is a variable and blood alcohol levels, number of missteps when trying to walk straight, score on self-report form are all operational definition. Validity: the degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what it claims to measure.
