A. What is Psychology-
1. Scientific study- the understanding of behavioral and mental processes
2. Behavior- Anything an organism does, any action we can observe and record. i.e. yelling, smiling, blinking, sweating, and talking.
3. Mental Processes- the internal, subjective experiences we infer from behavior-sensations, perceptions, dreams, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.
B. The scientific Method
1. Testable Hypothesis- a testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
2. Operational Definition- a statement of the procedures (operations) used to define research variables.
2.1 Single-blind- a research procedure where they don’t tell the participants that they are being given a test or treatment. It is used to prevent bias results.
2.2 Double- blind- both patient and staff are not aware of the condition of the patient.
3. Collect data- researchers re-create a study with different participants and materials and try to get similar results.
3.1 Direct the subjects- viewing the subject in a laboratory setting.
3.2 Statistical analysis- collection of methods used to process large amounts of amounts of data and report overall trends.
4. Report the conclusions- The researcher develops explanations for the findings. These explanations involve the extent to which the findings confirm the theories and hypotheses the study was addressing.
4.1 Publish results- publishes results of the study so that it can be replicated.
4.2 Further replication- repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.
C. Methods of Psychological research
1. Naturalistic Observation- observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.
2. Case study- an observation technique n which one person is studied in depth in the hope or revealing