PSYB32H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Internal Validity, Informed Consent, Dependent And Independent Variables
Document Summary
Research methods in the study of abnormal behavior. Science: pursuit of systematized knowledge through reliable observation. Important for scientific observations and explanations to be testable (open tot systematic problems) and reliable (replicable) Scientific approach requires first that propositions and ideas be stated in a clear and precise way: only then can scientific claims be exposed to systematic probes and tests. All statements, theories and assertions must be testable and subject to disproof. Each observation must be reliable/replicable: must occur under prescribed circumstances anytime it is repeated. If event cannot be reproduced, legitimacy of original observation will be questioned. Theory: a set of propositions meant to explain a class of phenomena. Primary goal of science is to advance theories to account for data, often by proposing cause-effect relationships. Theories themselves can guide research by suggesting that certain additional data be collected.
