Chapter 1. Is Psychology a Science?

The Scientific Method

1. Observe behavior or mental processes and theorize the causes

   

2. Formulate a testable hypothesis, design a study, and collect data.

3. If the results fail to support the hypothesis, modify and retest it. If the results support the hypothesis, replicate the study. Either outcome usually leads to a modification of the theory.

Steps of the scientific method

1. Observe and theorize

2. Formulate a hypothesis

3. Design a study

4. Collect data

5. Apply results to the hypothesis

What is replication?

• it’s when a different research repeats the study

  • Usually to see if the results was a one time thing or a recurring reaction