Psicologia

Psychology11

Guidelines For Studying Behavior Scientifically


1. Results must be measurable either by machine or observation.



2. Methods and data must be objective. (The opinionof the experimenter cannot enter into the experiment.)



3. The procedures must be repeatable, by somebody else, same procedure, different subjects.




4. The experiment and resultsmust be able to be communicated to others. (Professional journals etc.)



5. An organized and systematic approach must be used.

















Psychological ExperimentsDefinitions


Theory- A general principle, based on information already received, to explain what has been learned.

Hypothesis - is a tentative assumption or an educated guess, written in atestable way.
- is often worded” if ______________ then _______________________

- e.g. “ if the room is warmed to 35 degrees, then learning will decrease”.


Variable - any condition orbehavior that can change in amount or quality.


Independent variable – (first blank) is controlled and manipulated by the experimenter to determine how it affects the dependent variable.Dependent variable -(usually behavior)
it changes in response to (it depends on) the independent variable.

Experimental group - the group being tested under a changed set of circumstancesControl group - another group that does not have the circumstances changed. Its purpose is to be a comparison with the experimental group.

Random - a way of selecting subjects so that chancedetermines who is selected.

Blind experiment- The subject does not know if they are part of the experimental group or the control group.

Double blind experiment- Neither the subject nor theexperimenter know.

Placebo- A “dummy” pill or other independent variable given to the control group.

Placebo effect – change in behavior because you believe your behavior should change.