PSY 200/203
Study Guide for Final Exam
Chapter 1 - Scientific method A. Psychology has four basic goals regarding behavior and mental processes 1. Describe 2. Explain 3. Predict 4. Control B. Scientific method - set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that guide researchers in investigations 1. Events are lawful (follow consistent patterns) 2. Events are explainable 3. Events are approached with scientific skepticism (critical thinking) a. Minimize the influence of preconceptions/biases while evaluating the evidence b. Determine the conclusions that can be reasonably drawn from the evidence c. Consider alternative explanations for research findings
Steps in the scientific method A. Formulate a testable hypothesis
1. hypothesis
2. variables
3. operational definition
B. Design the study and collect data 1. descriptive methods 2. experimental methods
C. Analyze the data and draw conclusions
D. Report the findings
Descriptive research methods – strategies for observing and describing behavior A. Naturalistic observation – systematic observation and recording of behaviors as they occur in their natural settings
1. Allows study of behaviors that cannot be easily or ethically manipulated in an experiment B. Case study – indepth investigation of an individual or small group of individuals 1. Allows study of rare, unusual or extreme conditions C. Surveys 1. Sample 2. Representative sample 3. Random selection D. Correlational studies – examines how strongly two variables are related

Experimental method – used to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship A. Independent variable B. Dependent variable C. Practice effect D. Double-blind technique Chapter 2 – Neuroscience and Behavior
Biological psychology – the