PSY100H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Observer-Expectancy Effect, Naturalistic Observation, Longitudinal Study
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PSY100H1 Full Course Notes
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Scientific method: a systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena to answer questions about what happens, when it happens, what causes it, and why. Test of the hypothesis; yields data, which either . Replication: repetition of an experiment to confirm results; used to increase confidence in findings. Significant findings can be the result of serendipity: when researchers unexpectedly discover something important. All research involves variables: anything that can be measured or manipulated and can vary. To define variables in precise ways, researches use operational definitions: identify/quantify variables so they can be measured. Observe & classify behavior, either by naturalistic observation (no intervention by observer) or participant observation (intervention by observer) Valuable in early stage of research, when trying to determine if phenomenon exists; takes place in real-world setting. Errors in observation can lead to observer bias: systematic errors in observation that occur b/c of observer"s expectations; problematic if culture norms favors inhibiting/expressing certain behaviors.
