Chapter 2 Flashcards
Methods of observation
What do people do?
Answer by observing and measuring
Methods of explanation
Why did they do it?
Answer by looking for relationships between things that are measured
! Dogmatists
Tendency to cling to assumptions
Ex. Develop theories about body functions
! Empeirikos
Acquiring knowledge through observation (empiricism)
Ex. Understand illness by observing sick people
! Scientific method
Modify ideas to fit evidence
Procedure for finding truth using empirical evidence
Theory
Hypothetical explanation of a natural phenomenon
Rule of Parsimony
Simplest theory that explains all evidence best
Falsifiable
Tested and proven false
Prediction made by theory
Why can’t theories be proven?
Consistent evidence increases confidence but we can never be 100% certain
Empirical Method
Set of rules and techniques for observation
Empirical Challenges of People
Complexity- 500 mill interconnected neurons
Variability- no 2 individuals are the same
Reactivity- people will respond different when anonymous
! Steps in scientific method
Develop theories, derive: hypothesis, test hypothesis, use evidence, modify theories
Problem with observation
Peoples observations are all different
! Operational
Description of a property in measurable terms
Instrument
Anything that can detect w condition to which an operational def. refers
! Validity
good for operational def
To extent to which a concrete event defines a property
! Reliability
Good for instruments
The tendency for your instrument to produce the same measurement each time
! Power
good for instruments
Instruments ability to detect small magnitudes of the property
Measurement
Define property then……
Detect property
Demand characteristics
Aspects of an observational setting that cause people to behave as they think someone else wants or expects
Naturalistic Observaion
Technique for gathering scientific info by observing issue of demand characteristics
Observer bias
Expectations can influence observations/ reality
Double-blind observations
Observations whose true purpose is hidden from both the observer and the person being observed
Frequency distribution
Measurements arranged by # of items each measurement was made