chapter 1 lesson3

scientific method

is the approach used by psychologists to systematically acquire knowledge and understanding about behavior and other phenomena of interest

theories

are broad explanations and predictions concerning observations of interest. They provide a framework for understanding the relationships among a set of otherwise unorganized facts or principles.

diffusion of responsibility

According to their theory, the greater the number of bystanders or witnesses to an event that calls for helping behavior, the more the responsibility for helping is perceived to be shared by all the bystanders.

hypothesis

is a prediction stated in a way that allows it to be tested.

operational definition

is the translation of a hypothesis into specific, testable procedures that can be measured and observed in an experiment

research

systematic inquiry aimed at the discovery of new knowledge—is a central ingredient of the scientific method in psychology

descriptive research

designed to systematically investigate a person, group, or patterns of behavior

archival research

existing data, such as census documents, college records, online databases, and newspaper articles, are examined to test a hypothesis. For example, college transcripts may be used to determine if there are gender differences in academic performance

naturalistic observation

the investigator observes some naturally occurring behavior and does not make a change in the situation