Unit 1: Human Inquiry and Science

attributes

the different scores that comprise a variable

constants

properties that do not change across objects or over time

deduction

a form of reasoning that moves from the general principles to a specific case

dependent variable

a variable whose changes we are interested in explaining

idiographic explanation

 aims to understand or make sense of the multiple causes of a specific event

independent

a variable believed to produce changes in a dependent variable

induction

a form of reasoning that moves from specific cases to the general case

nomothetic

identifies a few common causes of a broad category of events

percepts

components of concrete experience

relationship

a connection identified by a change in one thing being associated with a systematic change in another

values

statements of what is ultimately preferable or desirable

variables

properties of objects that can change

propositions

statements (ideas) expressing the relationship between concepts

applied research

investigations directed toward insights that allow us to live more efficiently

empirical

the criterion requiring sensory experience as evidence

pure research

 investigations driven by curiosity