AS Psychology PY2

 Psychologists, like all scientists, use the Scientific Method to produce valid explanations of the world around them.

 The Scientific process starts with OBSERVATION of behaviour or other phenomena in the world.  this then leads to the developments of a theory (TENTATIVE explanation)  A study is conducted to test hypotheses that come from the theory  Conclusions are drawn from the findings of the study.

Make Observations Theory Life emerges from non- living matter Hypothesis Mice emerge from dirty socks Experiment Place dirty socks in a glass jar for a few days No mice!!!! Reject the theory Come up with a better one Example: the spontaneous generation theory

 Referring back to the definition of ‘Scientific’, any research can be considered scientific as long as it collects data in an objective, controlled manner.  The following research methods have been put in order of how scientific they are considered to be.  Lab Experiments  Field Experiments  Natural Experiments  Interviews/Questionnaires  Observations

 Describe the observations made by Zimbardo in the early 1970’s.  What were the two competing theories used to explain these observations  Describe the experiment Zimbardo used to try and choose between these competing theories.  What did Zimbardo find? Which theory did the findings seem to support?

 Was the study valid? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.  Was the study reliable? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.  Was the study ethical? – Use the information on p135 to support your view.