How can we meet the goals of psychology? By using the scientific method!! Woot!

Allows us to find answers to empirical questions (i.e. observable/measurable) More objective than our everyday observations Systematic procedures to avoid bias Scientific method Theory-An explanation based on observations (board statement) Hypothesis- prediction based on theory Research- Test of the hypotheses; yields data (gather research participants) Does it support the theory? Types of studies What are the pieces of a research study? - Variable: something that can vary and the researcher can measure - Operational definition: defining how variables are to be measured in a study o How would your operationally define these variables? Descriptive/observational studies Naturalistic observation - Researchers watch people behave as they normally would o Researcher is NOT part of a situation Advantages? - Valuable in early stages of research - Real-world settings Disadvantages? Errors in observations due to observer bias/expectations Observer presence can change the behavor