Chapter 9 Study Guide

The chapter begins by answering the question, “What is Science?” According to the text, science is a process of studying the world through systematic observation and experimentation. The difference between science and every day observations are science is dependable on objectivity, or facts, rather than subjectivity, or personal viewpoints. Secondly, scientist use systematic observations in contrast with hit or miss observation because hit or miss observation is used only to report the findings of what is happening around us, not facts to include the rest of the world. Lastly, evidence that is observable and repeatable is more dependable for scientist to work with as opposed to everyday observations that disregard evidence. To understand science

Psychological scientists utilize a variety of methods, which include descriptive, correlational, and experimental methods. Descriptive method uses case studies, naturalistic observations, and surveys. A case study usually focuses on an individual or a small group of individuals. A naturalistic observation usually focuses on a larger group of individuals in a natural environment. A survey is used to ask a larger group of individuals’ questions about attitudes and behavior. The correlational method is used to measure the direction and strength of the relationship between two variables. There are three possible outcomes: positive, negative, or zero correlations. A positive outcome is when both variables result in high levels. A negative outcome is when one variable has a high level and the second variable has a low level. A zero outcome is possible if two variables do not have any systematic relationship with each other. An experimental method allows the researcher to have more control over the study. An independent variable is a controlled