Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc Scientific Method: Observation Choose a variable. Phenomenon studied by scientists Anything that can change Develop a theory. Idea that attempts to explain observations Seeks to explain why something happened Can be used to make predictions
Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc Scientific Method: Hypothesis Formulate a hypothesis. Educated guess derived from theory Prediction that can be tested If supported, can lend credibility to theory
Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc Scientific Method: Research Establish an operational definition. Objective description of variable How will variable be measured? Collect and analyze data. Number crunching What do data mean?
Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc Scientific Method: Conclusions Draw conclusions. Is theory supported? Should theory be changed? Evaluate conclusions. Publication and review Ongoing research process
Copyright McGraw-Hill, Inc Types of Psychological Research Research Methods Video Y Y