1. Psychology Notes 1.1

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Summarizing empirical research studies
Include:
Aim
Procedure
Results
Implications

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

9. 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)

10. 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?

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

12. Levels of analysis