PS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Scientific Method, Confirmation Bias, Naturalistic Observation
Document Summary
Science a method for deciding whether claims about reality are true or not. Introspection: still used in philosophy, subjective, systematic observation, experimentation find the cause and effects. Psych is the scientific study of the mind, brain and behaviour. Why do we need a scientific method to study it: a set of safeguard against two (2) human tendencies, confirmation bias. To seek out evidence that supports our hypothesis and deny, dismiss, or distort evidence that doesn"t b/c of biases, decisions may not always be rational (e. g. ) usually ignorant ppl think overweight ppl are lazy: belief perseverance. To cling to our beliefs despite contrary evidence (e. g. ) sleep is beneficial for us but ppl still sleep later b/c they want to. Naturalistic observation & laboratory observation, case study: does not tell us what causes it (e. g. ) Try to understand the causes of the behaviour/mental processes. Results must occur over a series of tests, not just one.
