Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

hypothesis
A prediction, stemming 
from a theory, stated in a way that 
allows it to be tested.
operational defi nition
The translation 
of a hypothesis into specifi c, testable 
procedures that can be measured and 
observed.
Study Alert
Remember that a theory is a 
broad explanation, while a 
hypothesis is a more 
narrow prediction.
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K E Y T E R M S
scientifi c method p. 33
theories p. 34
hypothesis p. 35
operational defi nition p. 35
1.
theory; 
2.
hypothesis; 
3.
operational 
36 Chapter 
2 
Psychological Research
R E C A P / E V A L U A T E / R E T H I N K
R E C A P
What is the scientifi c method?
• The scientifi c method is the approach psychologists use to 
understand behavior. It consists of four steps: identifying 
questions of interest, formulating an explanation, carrying 
out research that is designed to support or refute the 
explanation, and communicating the fi ndings. (p. 33) 
What role do theories and hypotheses play in psychological 
research?
• Research in psychology is guided by theories (broad 
explanations and predictions regarding phenomena of 
interest) and hypotheses (theory-based predictions 
stated in a way that allows them to be tested). (p. 34)
• To test a hypothesis, researchers must formulate an 
operational defi nition, which translates the abstract 
concepts of the hypothesis into the actual procedures 
used in the study. (p. 35)