+
Psychology
Introduction & Research
+Scientific Method
Orderly, systematic procedures researchers follow
identify a research problem, design a study to investigate the problem, collect & analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings
Best method for acquiring knowledge because information is least compromised by biases, preconceptions, personal beliefs, and emotions
+Theory vs. Hypothesis
A THEORY explains how facts are related
It is developed from an HYPOTHESIS
It has been tested & researched
An HYPOTHESIS is a prediction about a relationship or an educated guess to explain some observable phenomenon
Scientists test an HYPOTHESIS to see if it is really true & it might become a THEORY
Theory Hypothesis
+Goals of Psychology
+Critical Thinking
+Descriptive Research Methods
Goal of psychology is to DESCRIBE
These yield descriptions of behavior—NOT explanations or the causes of the behavior
+Experimental Methods
What are the causes?
Goal of psychology is to EXPLAIN
Independent & dependent variables
Cause & effect relationship
Control groups
Bias
Placebo
+Other Research Methods
Goal is to EXPLAIN
Used when you cannot apply the EXPERIMENTAL method
+Reliability vs. Validity
Ability of a test to yield nearly the same scores when the same people are tested and then retested using the same test or an alternate form of the test
You can count on the results being about the same each time you give the test: consistency
The ability of a test to measure what it is intended to measure
Is the test really measuring what you want it to?
Reliability Validity
+Psychological Research
Must be voluntary & give informed consent
APA says deception is “OK” if (1) if it is justified; (2) not deceived about physical risks; and (3) participants are debriefed
Top Related