PSYC 362 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Androgyny, Paq, Demand Characteristics

• School: George Mason University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 362
• Professor: Amber Shriver

Document Summary

The scientific method rests on empiricism, and a key determinant of whether a theory is scientific is whether it is falsifiable. The key feature of the experimental method is random assignment, which helps isolate the independent variable as the true cause of the effect. Correlational research is often easier to conduct than experimental research and has high external validity but low internal validity. Experiments are often high in internal validity but may lack external validity if conducted in the laboratory. Most research in the area of sex comparisons is correlational because sex is a subject variable rather than a target variable. Field experiments - though difficult to conduct - maximize both internal and external validity. Longitudinal studies can help to enhance the internal validity of correlational research. Participants can influence the outcome of a study, especially when the behavior is public, demand characteristics are likely to operate; ensuring confidentiality and disguising the nature of the research will minimize demand characteristics.