PSYCH 202 Study Guide - Final Guide: Naturalistic Observation, Observational Error, Observer-Expectancy Effect
Document Summary
Scientific inquiry: the scientific method depends on theories, hypotheses, and research, unexpected findings can be valuable. 4 basic goals: what happens, predicting when it happens, controlling what causes it to happen, and explaining why it happens answer questions about what happens, when it happens and what causes it, and why. Scientific method- a systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena to. Variable- something in the world that can be measured and that can vary: operational definitions- identifies and quantify variables so they can be measured. Descriptive studies- involves observing and noting behavior to analyze it objectively: also known as observational studies. Takes place in a real-world setting: disadvantages: errors in observation can occur because of an observer"s expectations. (observer bias). Cross-sectional studies- involves observing and classifying developmental changes that occur in different groups of people at the same time: advantages: faster and less expensive than longitudinal studies, disadvantages: unidentified variables may be involved.
