PY 105 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Observer-Expectancy Effect, Serendipity, Participant Observation

• School: University of Alabama
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PY 105
• Professor: Scrivner- Limbaugh

Document Summary

How psychologists study behavior and research methods: Research methodology (chapter 2: describing what happens, predicting when it happens, controlling what causes it to happen, try to explain why it happens. Scientific method: procedure of observing and measuring phenomena to answer questions: involves a dynamic interaction between theories, hypotheses, research, empirical process is based on the use of theories to generate hypothesis tat can be tested. The scientific method depends on theories, hypotheses, and research. Theory: model of interconnected ideas/ concepts that explains what is observed and makes predictions about future events: ask questions about possible thoughts, emotions, behaviors, assumed to be true, do not require data bc they are abstract. Hypothesis: specific prediction of what should be observed if a theory is correct: good theory should generate a hypothesis, provide empirical answers, depend on experimental findings. An objective procedure if free from bias. Research: scientific process that involves a system of careful data collection: how to test your theory.