PSYC 110 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Dependent And Independent Variables

• School: Emory University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 110
• Professor: Kazama Andrew

Document Summary

Cycle of science: fact theories hypothesis experiments new facts . Scientific research lessons the value of skepticism the value of careful observations under controlled conditions the problem of observer-expectancy effects. Observers may unintentionally communicate to the subjects their expectations on how they should behave. Descriptive studies-- to characterize and record what is observed, not to test hypothesis. Subjects in a between-groups experiment assigned to groups randomly. Bias and false conclusions can occur if the subjects are not representative of the group to which the research wants to generalize the results. Observer-blind or double-blind studies help prevent bias. Human subjects right to privacy risk of discomfort or harm.