PS101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Krypto, Weight Gain, Dependent And Independent Variables
Document Summary
Tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. Any measurable conditions, events, characteristics, or behaviour that are controlled or observed in a study. Set of interrelated ideas used to explain a set of observations. Steps in scienti c investigation: formulate a (testable) hypothesis. Qualitative research: more focused on meaning" of experience (narrative) Operation de nitions: describe methods/actions used to measure/ control a variable: select research method + design study. Naturalistic observation: non-obtrusive, record peoples behaviour, dif cult to translate into numerical data. Direct observation: precise observation; may use video camera or other instruments: collect data, analyze and draw conclusions. Investigator manipulates one variable under controlled conditions and observes changes in second variable (if any) Goal: to see how x (independant variable) affects y (dependant. Thought to be affected by manipulation of independent. I. e how do different chemicals in fertilizer affect plant growth?". Receive some special treatment in regard to the independent variable.
