Psychology Notes 1.1

Define and Describe Define: “The scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.” Scientific-data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods Methodology chosen based on purpose of the study

What is a research hypothesis? Precise and testable statement Includes independent and dependent variables Could be based on predictions of a theory

What is an empirical research study? Any activity that includes organized collection and analysis of data Based on chosen research method

What is a research method? The way a researcher choses to collect and analyze data. Collected data is analyzed and interpreted Quantitative: Numerical data Analyzed in statistics Qualitative: Information is in the meaning of data Analyzed in interpretation of data to see what it reaveals

The research process (experimental) Observation of and theorizing of phenomenon Formulation of research hypothesis Collection of empirical data using a scientific method Analysis of the data and discussion of results Acceptance or rejection of the research hypothesis

Summarizing empirical research studies Include: Aim Procedure Results Implications

Evaluating empirical research studies Methodology Ethics Cultural Gender **See pg. 2 for more specific questions about evaluating

What is a psychological theory? A statement about a possible relationship between psychological variables Aims: Explain psychological phenomena Make predictions Apply to real-life situations Principles, not laws!! (different from Biology)

Evaluating psychological theories Give insight into unseen psych phenomena Gives order by describing psych phenomena in social world Questions to ask: Does it reflect facts? Is it clear and understandable? Is it useful for explaining and also predicting? Is it practically useful? Is it possible to test in a scientific way?

What is a model? A physical representation of what a psychological phenomena could look like Mostly based on theory (hypothetical)

Levels of analysis