Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Seesaw, Longitudinal Study, Naturalistic Observation

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Lynn Jackson

Document Summary

Systematic it processed in orderly steps that are carefully planned. Scientific inquiry is a way of finding answers to empirical questions (questions that can be answered by observing the world and measuring the aspects of it) Scientific method reflects a dynamic interaction among three essential elements: theories, hypotheses, and research. (answers the 4 questions above) Theory model of interconnected ideas and concepts that explains what is observed and makes predictions about future events (broad set of ideas about how something works) A good theory should generate one or more hypotheses-a specific prediction of what should be observed in the world if a theory is correct (uses operational definitions) Research a scientific process that involves the systematic and careful collection of data. Replication repetition of an experiment to confirm the results. A good theory produces a wide variety of testable hypothesis. Many significant findings are the result of serendipity- unexpected discoveries of something important.