Download Lecture Slides on Theories and Hypotheses | PSY 250 and more Study notes Psychology in PDF only on Docsity!
Theories and Hypotheses
Theories vs. Hypotheses
____________________
- Broad explanation and prediction concerning a phenomenon of interest
- General statement ____________________
- A prediction, stemming from a theory, stated in a way that allows it to be tested
- Specific statement
Good theories…
Are ____________________ Are broad and can be generalized Withstand the test of time Are _________________to real life Solve an important ______________ Provide a better ____________________ than previous theories
Behavioral Variability
____________________ as
the basis of research
Purpose of research is to explain:
- situational variability
- individual differences
- temporal variability All analyses in some way take variability into account
Measuring
____________________
Behavior must be quantified in some way Statistical definition: variation of scores around the mean (aka. “variance”) Measures of behavior must be able to “pick up” variation
Steps to Generating
____________________
Ask yourself, “Why am I interested in psychology?” Find out what has already been done in this area Make a prediction that no one has tested yet
- Statement, not a question
- Compare groups or variables
Null vs. Alternative
Hypotheses
____________________ = there will be no effect, no relation, no difference between groups
- Avoid “proving the null” ____________________ = there will be a significant effect, relation, or difference between groups
Post hoc explanations vs.
HARKing
____________________ = addressing an effect in the opposite direction
- e.g., self-esteem and race ____________________ = Hypothesizing After the Results are Known; “I knew it all along”
- Avoid ____________________
Remember
Hypotheses are ________________ involving a clear prediction Hypotheses must be _____________ Hypotheses determine:
- The design of your project
- The analyses you will use
- The conclusions you can make
Can’t think of a hypothesis?
Ask these questions,
answer with a hypothesis
WHY and HOW does the behavior occur? In which situations and for which type of person is the effect strongest? What are some alternative explanations for a behavior? Who doesn’t “fit the mold”? Why not?
