PS101 Chapter 2: PS101 Chapter 2 Notes
Document Summary
Theory: system of assumptions that would explain phenomena. Operational definition: how the phenomena are to be observed/measured. Principle of falsifiability: predicting what will and will not happen. Confirmation bias: tendency to only pay attention to info that confirms one"s own belief. Representative sample: group from population that matches important characterisitcs. Sample size is less critical than representatives (more accurate results) Descriptive methods: describes/predicts behaviour but not necessarily casual explanations. Case study: detailed description of individual being studied/treated. Information (childhood, dreams) provides insight to person"s behaviour. Unusual cases can shed light on situations that are unethical to study. Sometimes misses vital information, person"s memories can be inaccurate. Example: understanding development of person"s aggressive behaviour. Naturalistic observation: how people/animals act in normal social environments. Laboratory observation: more control of situation, sophisticated environment. Often useful in first stages of research program. Observations can be biased, doesn"t always confirm cause and affect. Example: describing nature of aggression in early childhood.
