Psychology Week 1 ECP Study Notes

Week 1 ECP Study Notes

• Psychology Definition: Psychology is the scientific study of human mental states and behavior. It employs the scientific method.

Scientific Ideas

• Objective: Scientific ideas aim for objectivity.
• Empirical Evidence: They utilize and generate empirical evidence (observed or experimentally derived).
• Scientific Method: Formed using the scientific method.
• Verifiable: Predictions, models, and theories are verifiable.

Non-Scientific Ideas

• Non-Objective: Non-scientific ideas are subjective.
• Un-Empirical: Based on theories, not observation.
• Imprecise/Vague: Lack clarity and specificity.
• Dogmatic: Not open to questioning.
• Unverifiable: Cannot be proven or disproven.

Formation of Non-Scientific Ideas

• Anecdotes: Based on personal stories.
• Opinions: Subjective viewpoints.
• Intuition: Gut feelings.
• Hearsay: Information from others.

The Scientific Method

• Procedure for Knowledge: A cyclical process for obtaining knowledge.
• Starts with a question/theory: The method begins with an existing theory or question.
• Hypothesis Creation: A testable prediction is formulated about the theory/question.
• Study Design & Research: A specific study is designed to test the hypothesis. Research is conducted based on this design.
• Theory Revision/Creation: Concludes with either refinement of the existing theory or a new theory.

Theories

• Explanatory & Predictive: Theories explain phenomena and make predictions about cause-and-effect.
• Scientifically-Based/Logical: Informed by scientific research and/or logic.

Models

• Representations: Simplify and represent concepts, processes, or behaviors.
• Simplified Representation: Models simplify complex information.
• Theory-Based: Derived from scientific theories or ideas.

Aims

• Investigation Purpose: Concise statements describing the study's purpose (one sentence).
• Key Terms: Includes key terms of the topic.
• Starts with "To": Begins with the word "to."
• Narrow Focus: Helps narrow the scope of the investigation.

Hypotheses (I.P.A.D.)

• Testable Predictions: A testable prediction about the outcome of an investigation.
• Variables, Population, Direction: Must include variables, population, and a predicted direction (e.g., increase, decrease).
• "It is hypothesized/predicted": Begin with this phrase.

Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated variable.
• Dependent Variable (DV): Measured variable.
• IV affects DV: The IV impacts the DV.

Population

• Research Focus: The group being studied.

Operationalizing Variables

• Specificity: Making variables more specific and clear.
• Measurement/Scale: Adding measurements or scales to operationalize.

Controlled Variables

• Constant Factors: Variables other than the IV/DV that are held constant.
• Cause-and-Effect: Ensures changes in the DV are due solely to the IV.

Investigation Methodologies

• Types of Studies: Controlled experiments, case studies, correlational studies.
• Techniques: Classification, identification, fieldwork, literature reviews, modeling.

Controlled Experiments

• Variable Manipulation: Design allows strict manipulation of variables.
• Cause-and-Effect: Can establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Two Groups: Experimental and control groups.
• Control Group: Serves as the baseline.
• Expectancy Effect: Considered when creating the control group.

Within-Subjects Design

• Exposure to All Conditions: Each participant experiences all experimental conditions (including control).
• Strengths: Increased accuracy due to individual differences being accounted for and fewer participants needed.
• Limitations: (details not provided).

This quiz focuses on the foundational concepts of psychology, differentiating scientific ideas from non-scientific ones. Dive into the crucial elements of the scientific method and understand how psychology employs empirical evidence to study human behavior. Perfect for students beginning their exploration of psychological principles.