3001-1 Flashcards
Behaviors:
These refer to an individual’s observable actions, responses, or conduct.
Characteristics
Unique attributes and qualities distinguish one individual from another. These can include physical traits (such as height or eye color) and psychological traits (such as personality or intelligence).
A Variable
a general “thing” we can measure for each person (a behavior or characteristic)
descriptive statistics
numerical methods used to summarize, organize, and interpret data, including measures like mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
inferential statistics
techniques that use sample data to make generalizations, predictions, or conclusions about a larger population.
Empiricism:
use of objective observations to answer questions about behavior
Idea:
an assertion about the world that can be tested (supported or disproven) through objective measurement (objective reality)
Ideas can be labeled as true or false depending on whether or not the evidence supports them.
belief
your personal decision as to the truthfulness of an idea (a subjective decision)
Argument:
the evidence and logic used to support the truth or falseness of an idea
Goals of the scientific study of behavior
description of behavior
Prediction of behavior
Determining causes of behavior
Explanation of behavior
Determining causes of behavior
Temporal precedence (banging head on door)
Covariation of cause and effect
Eliminate plausible alternative explanations
Correlational research:
measures two variables, determines if a relationship exists (satisfies description and prediction)
Experimental research
control or manipulate one variable (IV) and determine if changing IV causes changes in another variable (DV). Satisfies explaining behavior and determining cause and effect.
Basic research:
research that is directed to simply gathering knowledge for the sake of gathering knowledge
Ex: Benjamin Franklin and electricity.
applied research
Research directed towards a practical application.
Sources of Research Ideas
Common sense
Observation
Past research
Practical problems
Theories
theory
a systematic body of ideas that organizes what is known about a topic from past observations and makes predictions about future observations
hypothesis
an assertion about what is true in a particular situation
Ex: a person will enjoy work less if they are overpaid.
A hypothesis is not testable when:
Concepts are poorly designed
Person committed a crime because he is “mentally disturbed”
Hypothesis is circular
Bobby is distractable and having trouble reading in school because he has an attention deficit disorder
Involves non-scientific (unobservable or unmeasureable) ideas or forces
The devil
3 basic principles of research
Beneficence
Respect for persons (autonomy)
Justice
