PS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Naturalistic Observation, Operational Definition, Confounding
Document Summary
Hypothesis : tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. Variables : any measurable conditions, events, characteristics, or behaviours that are controlled or observed in a study. Theory : system of interrelated ideas used to explain a set of observations. Scientific theory must be testable; allows psychologist to make the leap from the descriptions of behaviour to the understanding of behaviour. Steps in a scientific investigation: formulate a testable hypothesis. Translate theory or an intuitive idea into a testable hypothesis ; expressed predictions; Must be formulated precisely and the variables under study must be clearly defined. Operational definition : actions or operations used to measure or control a variable: select the research method and design the study. Ponder pros and cons then select the strategy the most appropriate and practical. Participants : are the persons or animal whose behaviour is systematically observed: collect the data.
