PSYC 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Frequency Distribution, Naturalistic Observation, Standard Deviation
16 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Belief that accurate knowledge acquired through observation. Procedure for finding truth through empirical evidence. Suggests that when idea of world acquired, empirical evidence relevant to idea should be gathered, modify idea to fit with evidence. Theory - hypothetical explanation of natural phenomenon. Rule of parsimony - states simplest theory explaining all evidence is best. Hypothesis - falsifiable prediction made by theory. When evidence consistent with theory, confidence increased, but never certain. Empirical method - set of rules & techniques for observation. Most sophisticated in all of modern science. 3 qualities make humans unusually difficult to study: Methods of observation - allow people to determine what people do. Methods of explanation - allow people to determine why people do what they do. Operational definition - description of property in concrete, measurable terms. Instrument - anything with ability to detect condition to which operational definition refers. Validity - goodness with which concrete event defines property.
