PSYCH 1F03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Blind Experiment, Energy Drink, Confounding
24 Jun 2017
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Document Summary
Scientific method: formal way of asking + answering questions to get accurate info. Levels of analysis: different questions asked based on different levels of analysis on the same subject where there may be multiple answers. Unbiased research: scientific method allows this approach to come into fruition-helps avoid our presumptions of background knowledge get in the way of research. 7 steps (to collect+analyze reliable +meaningful results) Construct a theory (general idea about how the world works) Generate a hypothesis (specific, testable statement guided by theories -predict relationship b/w variables) Choose research method (how will the hypothesis be tested) Analyze data (understand data and find trends/relations b/w variables) Report findings (publish articles in scholarly journals-very rigorous process) Revise existing theories(include new info into our understanding of the world). Eric buys an energy drink claiming it improves focus while studying. Theory: test performance can be affected by external factors that occur while studying for test.
