Approaches to Difference

• The causes of variation in learning and behaviour

  • Experimental approach: attempts to understand reality by manipulating (under simplified conditions) variables between groups/treatments.
  • Correlational approach: attempts to understand reality by estimating the influence of variables under complex conditions between individuals.
• Behavioural genetics has...


  ...embraced the correlational approach
• Experimenter vs Correlator 


  Correlator:

  • an expert detective
  • creatively considering the relevant observations and variables (i.e., finding the right clues) from already existing differences in individuals.

  Experimenter

  • a master puppeteer
  • creatively applying different treatments and proper control groups (i.e., pulling the right strings).
• Five ways to wellbeing