empiricism lex 1

dogmatism

the belief that accurate knowledge is to be gained thru theorizing and reasoning

empiricism

the belief that accurate knowledge of the world requires observation of it

empirical methods

rules and techniques for observation that allows observers to avoid the msitakes that observation can produce

1. defining variables

2. measuring variables

3. identifying relationships

4. drawing conclusions

sampling guidelines

sample randomly & amply

demand characteristics

features of an observational setting that cause ppl to behave as they think an observer wants or expects them to behave

solutions to demand characteristics or subject bias

the solutions:

• ensure anonymity

• measure involuntary behaviors in a nonobvious way

• keep the subject blind to the hypothesis

“double blind” technique

• The true purpose of the study is hidden from the observer and the participant

So what does establish causation?

An experiment

1. manipulate the independent variable

2. control other possible causal variables (eg, randomize, hold constant)

3. Measure the effects