OpenStax College (2017). Psychology. https://openstax.org/details/psychology. Download the pdf. Read the following: Chapters 1 and 2 Smith, E. (2019). Thinking like a psychological scientist. In R.

OpenStax College (2017). Psychology. https://openstax.org/details/psychology. Download the pdf.

Read the following:

• Chapters 1 and 2

Smith, E. (2019). Thinking like a psychological scientist. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. DEF publishers. http://noba.to/nt3ysqcm

Video Resources

• Macat. (2016, April 14). An introduction to the discipline of Psychology [Video]. YouTube
• https://youtu.be/b6n0-WU6w3A

Suzuki, W. (2017, November) The brain-changing benefits of exercise [Video]. TEDWomen2017. https://www.ted.com/talks/wendy_suzuki_the_brain_changing_benefits_of_exercise

Part 1

Psychologists and scientists use the words “empirical evidence”, “empirical research“, and “empiricism” in ‘scientific studies’.  But do we, as consumers and users of ‘scientific information’ understand what these mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2014) defines the word “empirical” as:

1:  originating in or based on observation or experience

2:  relying on experience or observation alone often without due regard for system and theory

3:  capable of being verified or disproved by observation or experiment ”

Answer the follow questions:

• What parts of our bodies do we rely upon when gathering empirical evidence?
• Would you consider your day to day living experience and observations as part of empirical evidence?  Why?

Your Discussion should be at least 250 words in length, but not more than 750 words. Use APA citations and references for the textbook and any other sources used. 

Part  2

The scientific method is a method of inquiry that helps us understand nature around and within us.  When we talk about “science” as only one way to explain nature, and psychology, in particular, as one way to explain human behavior, what do you think this means?  Can you think of other ways that we have used to explain behavior?

The Learning Journal entry should be a minimum of 400 words and not more than 750 words. Use APA citations and references if you use ideas from the readings or other sources.