1.2 Goals Of Behavioural Science

Question 0

The scientist begins with careful observation, because the first goal of sciences to ____ ____ – which can be something directly observable (such as running speed, eye gaze, or loudness of laughter) or something less observable (like perceptions of attractiveness).

Answer 0

describe behaviour

Question 1

Scientific research on behaviour has ____ general goals: to describe behaviour, to predict behaviour, to determine the causes of behaviour, and to understand or explain behaviour.

Answer 1

four

Question 2

Another goal of science is to ____ ____. Once it has been observed with some regularity that two events are systematically related to one another, it becomes possible to make predictions.

Answer 2

predict behaviour

Question 3

A third goal of science is to determine the ____ of ____. Although we might accurately predict the occurrence of the behaviour, we might not correctly identify its cause.

Answer 3

causes of behaviour

Question 4

To know how to ____ behaviour, we need to know the causes of behaviour.

Answer 4

change

Question 5

To conclude ____, three things must occur: temporal precedence, covariation of cause and effect, and elimination of alternative explanations.

Answer 5

causation

Question 6

There is a temporal order of events in which the cause precedes the effect. This is called ____ ____.

Answer 6

temporal precedence

Question 7

When the cause is present, the effect occurs; when the cause is not present, the effect does not occur. This is called ____ of ____ and ____.

Answer 7

covariation of cause and effect

Question 8

Nothing other than a causal variable could be responsible for the observed effect. This is called ____ of ____ ____.

Answer 8

elimination of alternative explanations

Question 9

A final goal of science is to ____ the events that have been described. The scientist seeks to understand why the behaviour occurs.

Answer 9

explain