PSYA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Null Hypothesis, Normal Distribution, Random Assignment
CHAPTER 2: Reading & Evaluating Scientific Research
SECTION 2.1: Principles of Science Research
- Mozart Effect – scientific finding that listening to Mozart improves intelligence
- Objectivity – assumes that certain facts about the world can be observed + tested independently
from the individual who describes them
- Subjective – knowledge of the event = shaped by prior beliefs, expectations, experiences, +
mood
- Quality scientific research need to meet the following
o Based on measurements that are objective, valid, + reliable
o Can be generalized
o Use techniques that reduce bias
o Made public
o Can be replicated
- Objective measurements – measure of entity/behaviour that w/in margins of error = consistent
across instruments + observers (e.g. weight measured in lbs or kg)
- Variable – object, concept, event being measured
- Operational definitions: statements that describe procedures/operations + specific measures
that are used to record observations
- Validity – degree to which an instrument/procedure actually measures what it claims to
measure
o Ecological validity – results of a lab can be applied to/repeated in natural environment
- Reliability – consistent stable answers across multiple observations + points in time
Document Summary
Mozart effect scientific finding that listening to mozart improves intelligence. Objectivity assumes that certain facts about the world can be observed + tested independently from the individual who describes them. Subjective knowledge of the event = shaped by prior beliefs, expectations, experiences, + mood. Quality scientific research need to meet the following: based on measurements that are objective, valid, + reliable, can be generalized, use techniques that reduce bias, made public, can be replicated. Objective measurements measure of entity/behaviour that w/in margins of error = consistent across instruments + observers (e. g. weight measured in lbs or kg) Variable object, concept, event being measured. Operational definitions: statements that describe procedures/operations + specific measures that are used to record observations. Validity degree to which an instrument/procedure actually measures what it claims to measure: ecological validity results of a lab can be applied to/repeated in natural environment.
