PSY100H1 Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Notes
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PSY100H1 Full Course Notes
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The scientific method is an objective examination of the natural world. A scientific process that involves the systematic and careful collection of data is research. Serendipity is the unexpected stumbling upon something important. A scientist investigated the effects of alcohol on driving ability. In an experiment, the dependant variable is affected by the independent variable. An operational definition is a method by which researchers quantify variables to measure them. Anything that effects a dependant variable that may unintentionally vary between the different experimental conditions of a study is a confound. Naturalistic observation is a passive descriptive study in which observers do not change or alter ongoing behavior. Participant observation: a psychologist who joined a cult to observe the behavior of cult members engaged in this kind of descriptive study. Observational techniques involve systematic assessment of overt behavior. A change in behavior as a result of knowing that you are being observed is called reactivity.
