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The Scientific Method as Used in Psychology Research Methods The Scientific Method as Used in Psychology

Theory An idea that has been repeatedly confirmed to be true based on facts and experimental research.

Theory It is a tested and widely accepted model that helps explain and predict behaviors or events.

Theory Example: Sleep boosts memory. This is a theory because it has been tested experimentally and is supported by concrete facts and evidence.

Theory A good theory is one that is falsifiable. If you can find one instance where the theory is proven wrong and replicate the study and results, the theory can be rejected.

Theory A theory isn’t credible until it has been tested numerous times and reviewed by experts in the field (peer-reviewed).

A specific, testable prediction that is based on a theory. Hypothesis A specific, testable prediction that is based on a theory.

Hypothesis Theory: Sleep boosts memory. Hypothesis: Students who sleep at least eight hours per night remember more vocabulary words than students who sleep less than eight hours per night.

Hypothesis Think of it like this: If this theory is true, then ______________. (fill in the blank with your hypothesis)

Hypothesis Theory: Lack of sleep increases stress. Hypothesis: You try!

Theories can bias our observations. Bias = showing favor for or against one thing, person, or group compared to another.

Some researchers will only look for information that confirms their theories or hypotheses and disregard evidence that doesn’t. WE MUST AVOID THIS!

Operational Definitions A definition that provides an objective description of procedures and concepts and how they will be measured in a research study. Objective = not influenced by personal feelings or opinions

Operational Definitions STUDY: How sleep deprivation affects memory. Sleep deprivation = 24 hours without sleep Memory = the ability to recall items in a list after ten minutes of reciting the list

Operational Definitions Used so other researchers can replicate the study. REMEMBER: The results of our study must be replicated by other researchers in order for the results to be credible.

Operational Definitions They must be precise. The more specific, the better.