PSYC 2003H Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Operational Definition, Scientific Method, Empiricism

• School: University of Arkansas
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2003H
• Professor: Denise Beike

Document Summary

Empiricism: 2 types of ancient greek doctors. The scientific method: scientific method: a procedure for finding truth by using empirical evidence, empiricism is an essential element, theory: a hypothetical explanation of a natural phenomenon. The rule of parsimony : the simplest theory is best: hypothesis: should statement , falsifiable prediction made by a theory, theory hypothesis test with evidence use evidence to modify theory. The art of looking: empirical method: a set of rules and techniques used for observation, 3 qualities that make people difficult to study: Some things needed to be observed don"t occur naturally. Expectations can influence observations: double-blind observation: observation who"s true purpose is hidden from both the observer and the person being observed. Graphic representations: frequency distribution: arranged by the number of times each measurement was made, normal distribution: frequency of measurements is highest in the middle and decreases symmetrically in both directions.