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Lecture notes of 5 pages for the course Introduction to Pyschology at (class notes)
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PsychologyThe scientific study of behaviour.
The scientific study of mental processes.
A science since it uses a scientific method.
Goals:
Description:
Make notes about behaviours or situations observed.
Observations = data.
Important in the early stages of research.
Explanation:
Requires understanding of conditions.
Understand causes of behaviour.
Understand causes of mental processes.
Prediction:
Can specify conditions under which behaviour or event likely to occur.
Understand likelihood of occurrence.
Predict likelihood of occurrence.
Influence:
Apply principle to prevent unwanted occurrences.
Change condition to prevent unwanted occurrences.
Bring about desired outcomes.
What is theory?
General principle.
Organizes facts systematically.
Guides scientific research.
Basic research:
Seeks new research.
Explores topics of understanding.
Advances scientific understanding.
, Examples:
Nature of memory,
Brain function,
Motivation,
Emotional expression,
Causes of mental disorders.
Applied research:
Applying research to life.
Solving practical problems.
Improving quality of life.
Examples:
Methods to improve memory and motivation.
Therapies for mental disorders.
Ways to decrease stress.
Improve job satisfaction.
Descriptive research methods: (description, advantages & disadvantages)
Naturalistic observation: researcher observes & records behaviour in its natural
setting. Participants may or may not know they are being observed.
Good source of descriptive information. Can provide basis for hypotheses to be
tested later. Behaviour studied in everyday setting is more natural.
Researchers’ expectations can distort observation (observer bias). Presence of
researcher may influence behaviour of participants. Little or no control over conditions.
Laboratory observation: observation under more controlled conditions where
sophisticated equipment can be used to measure responses.
More control than naturalistic observation.
Possible observer bias. Behaviour of participants may be less natural than in
naturalistic observation.
Case Study: in-depth study of one or a few participants using observation, interviews
or psychological testing.
Source of information for rare or unusual conditions or events. Can provide
basis for hypothesis to be tested later.
May not be representative of condition or event. time-consuming . subject to
misinterpretation by researcher.
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