PSYB65H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Laboratory Rat, Scientific Method, Radiography
Document Summary
The scientific method has its roots in the principles of objectivity (empirical method) and replication or confirmation of results. Control: refers to the ability to manipulate something of interest to determine the effects. This also includes excluding unwanted variables from the study (confounding variables). Having an appropriate comparison sample is also needed. Hypothesis: a statement that can be rejected. Independent variable: variable manipulated to determine how the behaviour is affected. Dependant variable: the response or behaviour that the experimenter measures. Converging operations: a common conclusion is reached by examining a number of studies that approach the question from a variety of different perspectives. From 1930 to 1965, much of psychology was dominated by the study of the white laboratory rat. It was thought that the study of nonhuman animals would provide important information about important psychological constructs, such as learning, memory, and emotionality.
