What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from the first chapter of an Introductory Psychology (PSY 1305) course at Baylor University. The notes center on the importance of psychological science and “thinking critically,” specifically addressing common pitfalls in reasoning and how the scientific method provides a more reliable approach to understanding behavior. It introduces core concepts foundational to the field of psychology.
Why This Document Matters
This document is essential for students beginning their study of psychology. It sets the stage for understanding *how* psychologists approach questions, rather than simply *what* they know. It’s most useful at the start of the course, providing a framework for interpreting research and evaluating psychological claims encountered throughout the semester. Understanding these foundational principles is crucial for success in subsequent chapters and for applying psychological concepts to real-world situations.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes are a *summary* of a lecture, not a comprehensive textbook chapter. They highlight key ideas but do not provide exhaustive detail or in-depth exploration of research studies. This preview offers an overview of the topics covered; it won’t substitute for attending the lecture or reading assigned materials. It also doesn’t include any practice questions or assessments.
What This Document Provides
This document includes an overview of:
* The advantages of using the scientific method compared to common sense.
* An explanation of hindsight bias and overconfidence, and how they can distort our thinking.
* An introduction to the core components of the scientific method: theories, hypotheses, and operational definitions.
* A description of different research goals and types, including descriptive research, case studies, and the importance of replication.
* Initial definitions of key research terms like correlation and causation.
This preview *does not* include detailed examples of experiments, specific research findings, or a complete discussion of all research methods. It also does not contain any self-assessment tools or practice exercises.