3. Features Of Science

Question 1

What are the 7 features of science ?

Answer 1

1- Objective
2- Empiricism
3- Replicability 
4- Falsifiability 
5- Paradigm
6- Popper’s Hypothetico-Deductive model 
7- Kuhn’s paradigm and paradigm shift

Question 2

Feature = Objective

Definition =

Answer 2

Research is unbiased by researchers opinions or feelings (devoid of investigator bias). This can occur unconsciously without the researcher even being aware. This by :

• studying observable, measurable and concrete concepts
• using methods not open to interpretation

Question 3

Feature = Empiricism

Definition =

Answer 3

Evidence should be gathered through a direct observation. Empiricist’s believe that all behaviour is acquired after birth and therefore observable

• empirical evidence is physical/observable
• hypothesis should be tested empirically through experiment rather than reasoned argument / unfounded beliefs

Question 4

Feature = Replicability

Definition =

Answer 4

Ability to repeat research and achieve the same findings from the original study

• this is achieved by having standardised procedures that can be followed by others
• having a high degree of control
• replication also helps to show temporal validity

Question 5

Feature = Falsifiability

Definition =

Answer 5

Findings should be possible to refute

• science advances through rejection of theory
• so scientists aim to accept the null hypothesis
• researchers shouldn’t expect to find support t fit theory

Question 6

Feature = Paradigm

Definition =

Answer 6

An agreed subject matter and set of procedures

• any science is based on a set of shared assumptions and methods
• when there is strong contradictory evidence against the current paradigm, a new one replaces it (a paradigm shift occurs )

Question 7

Who came up with the idea of falsifiability?

Answer 7

Popper

Question 8

Who came up with the theory of paradigms?

Answer 8

Kuhn

Question 9

What are the stages of Popper’s hypothetico-deductive model?

Answer 9

1- an observation is made of phenomena in the world
2- a theory is developed to explain the observation and a hypothesis is developed in line with this theory
3- a hypothesis is tested using empirical methods
4- results are analysed to evaluate whether the hypothesis supported or not (then go back to stage 2 to refine/modify)

Question 10

What are the 3 stages in the development of science according to Kuhn ?

Answer 10

• Pre-science - no generally accepted paradigm, several different opinions/approaches
• Normal science - one paradigm is dominant and research seeks to support it
• Revolutionary science- evidence mounts against accepted paradigm and a new paradigm becomes dominant

Question 11

What paradigm stage does Kuhn believe psychology is in?

Answer 11

• pre-science

- there are many different approaches to the subject