1 The relationship between psychology and philosophy

Question 1

What is the current two-step method used in psychological research?

Answer 1

1. Deduce hypothesis from theory (generate predictions)
2. Test hypothesis empirically by
   i) making controlled observations
   ii) measuring variables
   iii) using stats

Question 2

What is the difference between axioms, philosophical statements and theoretical statements?

Answer 2

Axioms - usually self-evidently true.
e.g. All A is A

Philosophical statements –statements about general issues. Either T or F.
e.g. all events are caused

Theoretical statements
–less general statements
e.g. consciousness depends on presence of language

Question 3

What step should precede the formulation of hypotheses?

Answer 3

Conceptual analysis of theory

Question 4

What are the two ways of testing a theory?

Answer 4

1. The hypothetico-deductive method – conducting empirical tests of hypotheses logically derived from the theory.

E.g. All planets have elliptical orbits
If Zorbitron 5 is a planet, it will have an elliptical orbit
Test to see if Z5 has elliptical orbit

2. Conceptual analysis –conducting logical/philosophical tests of the theory itself.

Question 5

In what 4 cases is a theory logically deficient?

Answer 5

1. Concepts and definitions are vague or ambiguous
2. Concepts and definitions are clear but involve fallacious reasoning
3. At least two statements within the theory are inconsistent
4. It rests on assumptions that are demonstrably false

Question 6

What does John Locke’s under-labourer do?

Answer 6

“Clears the ground a little, removing some of the rubbish that lies in the way to knowledge”

Question 7

What 2 things should a theory do?

Answer 7

1) Explain a phenomenon

2) Allow you to generate predictions

Question 8

How many roads must a man walk down before he becomes a man?

Answer 8

The answer, my friends, is blowing in the wind…