PSYA01H3 Chapter 1.2: PSYA01H3 Chapter 1.: Pscyhology 1.2
Document Summary
In contrast to a hypothesis, a theory is an explanation for a wide range of observations that also generate new hypotheses and integrate numerous findings into a coherent whole. Aka, theories are general principles/explanations of some aspect of the world (incl. human behav. ), while hypotheses are spec. predictions that can test the theory (more specifically parts of the theory) Theories are built from hypotheses that are repeatedly tested + confirmed. Similar to hypotheses, an imp. quality of scientific theories is that they can be supported or proved false w/ new evidence. If a hypothesis isn"t supported researchers may rethink elements of the theory. In turn, good theories, eventually become accepted explanations of behav. /phenomena (e. g. , they can be used to gener. new hypotheses) The scientific model above shows how hypothesis testing event. leads back to the theory it was based, and how theories can be updated w/ new evidence.
