Chapter 2: Methods Flashcards
dogmatist vs empiricist?
theories (ppl clinging to assumptions) vs. experience (accurate knowledge can be acquired through observation - best way to understand world is to observe it firsthand)
scientific method
set of principles about the appropriate relationship between ideas and evidence
theory
hypothetical explanation of a natural phenomenon
hypothesis
falsifiable prediction made by a theory
rule of parsimony
to develop a theory, start with the simplest one then make theory more complicated if needed
empirical method
set of rules and techniques for observation (empiricism is at the heart)
operational definition
description of a property in concrete, measurable terms
why are people so difficult to study? (3)
complexity (of human brain), variability (between people), reactivity (if they know they are being watched)
two methods to study humans
observation: to determine what people do
explanation: determine why people do it
observe
using one’s senses to learn about the properties of an event or object
two things measurement requires
we must: define property we wish to measure, then find a way to detect it
a measure
device that can detect the condition to which an operational definition refers
electromyograph EMG
device that measures muscle contractions under surface of person’s kin
