what is causal observation ?

causal?

or casual?

http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1308135931

causal in the scientific sense..

Causal pertains to a cause.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/causal

Causal observation is observing behavior and attempting to determine the causes of specific actions. However, it is very difficult to determine causes from just observing behavior. It might lead to various hypotheses, but they would need to be explored by other methods.

How do classical conditioning procedures differ from operant conditioning procedures?

Causal observation refers to the act of observing and analyzing the relationship between cause and effect. It involves closely observing and documenting events, behaviors, or phenomena to determine their causal relationships or the factors that lead to particular outcomes.

To engage in causal observation, follow these steps:

1. Identify the research question: Determine the specific question you want to answer or the relationship you want to understand.

2. Define the variables: Identify the variables involved. A variable is any factor that can vary or change and potentially influence the outcome. For example, if you want to examine the impact of exercise on mood, exercise is the independent variable (cause) and mood is the dependent variable (effect).

3. Choose the sample: Select a representative sample of individuals, objects, or events to observe. It should be large enough and diverse enough to provide meaningful insights.

4. Develop observation protocols: Create a standardized set of criteria or guidelines for consistently observing and recording data. These protocols should outline what to observe, how to observe it, and the specific details to document.

5. Conduct the observations: Start observing the selected sample according to the established protocols. Be objective, systematic, and thorough in your observations, paying attention to both the cause and potential effect.

6. Analyze the data: Organize and analyze the collected data to identify patterns, correlations, or causality between the observed variables. Statistical methods and tools can aid in this analysis.

7. Draw conclusions: Based on the observed data and analysis, draw conclusions about the relationship between the cause and effect. Consider the limitations of your study and any alternative explanations for the observed results.

Causal observation can contribute to scientific research, social sciences, and practical problem-solving by providing insights into the cause-and-effect relationships underlying various phenomena.