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CHAPTER 1 Introduction and Research Methods

Part ASteps in the Scientific Method

ORIGINS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Has foundations in philosophy and physiology

Includes broader topics than most people think

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

It is important to understand the scientific

method because basically everything in

psychology is based on scientific findings, or on

theories that generate scientific research.

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STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Formulate (a research question and) hypothesis

For the sake of discussion, we will consider the question:

What is the relationship between social support and weight loss?

STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Define variables

How variables are defined affect the conclusions that can be

drawn.

Create an operational definition

How will the variables be measured?

STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Design study and collect data

Experimental

Descriptive

Different conclusions can be drawn depending on what kind

of design is used

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STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Analyze data and draw conclusions

Statistics

Significant differences

Correlations

STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Report findings

Two important reasons to distribute the findings

Replication

Application

Theory building

Use the findings of research to modify a theory