PSYCH 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1.4: Statistical Inference, Descriptive Statistics, Operational Definition
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PSYCH 101 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Empiricism - observing the world and measuring various aspects of it: empirical research conducted by using the scientific method. A systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena (observable things) to answer questions about what happens, when it happens, what causes it, and why. This process involves a dynamic interaction between theories, hypotheses, and research methods. Three key aspects: (1) follow carefully planned, systematic steps (2) processes used in scientific method must be objective (3) procedures must be reproducible. Descriptive methods provide a snapshot of what is occurring at a specific point in time: valuable technique in early stages of research. Determining which previously defined category the behavior fits into. Ex: noting types of gestures people make when meeting at an airport. Ex: grouping behaviors of nonhuman animals that have been injected with drugs that affect brain function. Advantages: valuable in early stages of research + can take place in both lab or real- world setting.
