key terms Flashcards
what is an independent variable
the thing that changes
whats the dependent variable
the thing you are measuring
what does the methodology include?
-type of study
- description of sample (who are the participants)
what does the procedures include?
-what researchers did step by step
what does the findings include
raw data (usually numerical/ observations)
what does the conclusion include?
interpretations of findings
why is determinism a weakness
as humans are sophisticated beings capable of a high level of thought and processing. we are capable of control over our behaviour. and if an approach doesn’t see this then they are oversimplified
why is reductionism a weakness
human beings are incredibly complex beings and no one behaviour is likely to come down to the influence of just one factor. approaches that don’t see this are blinkered
why is having practical applications a strength
it means the approach has been of value in improving the quality of lives of real individuals, should be the ultimate aim
why is being nomothetic a weakness
it fails to recognise that human behaviour is unique to the individual. no 2 human beings are the same therefore no treatment will work for all individuals suffering with a particular condition
we need to see each person as an individual
why is an approach being wholly nurturistic/naturistic
human behaviour is a product of both these influences; if an approach is interactionist, it reflects current thinking and so the approach makes a more valid attempt at explaining our behaviour
why is being scientific a strength
evidence produced using scientific methods is objective and so not open to individual interpretation/speculation
