(4) FEATURES OF A SCIENCE

Question 1

Define a paradigm and paradigm shift

Answer 1

Paradigm - a shared set of agreed methods and assumptions that distinguish a science from a non-science

Paradigm shift - there is a scientific revolution

Question 2

Is psychology seen as a science?

Answer 2

No

Psychology:
• Lacks paradigm
○ Several theories
• Seen as pre-science with bio principles

Question 3

What are the 6 features of a science?

Answer 3

Features:
1. Paradigm
2. Paradigm shifts
3. Theory construction & hypothesis testing:
4. Falsifiability
5. Replicability
6. Objectivity & the empirical method

Question 4

When does a paradigm shift happen?

Answer 4

2. Paradigm shifts:
   ○ Researchers question existing paradigm
   ○ Too much contradictory evidence to go paradigm —> shift
   ○ Eg behaviourism —> cognitive —> biological approach

Question 5

How does theory construction and hypothesis testing happen?

Answer 5

3. Theory construction & hypothesis testing:
   ○ Theory construction
   § Gather evidence via direct observation
   § Empirical methods
   ○ Hypothesis testing
   § Theories must be scientifically tested

Question 6

What is falsifiability the purpose of

Answer 6

4. Falsifiability:
   ○ Purpose of null hypothesis

Question 7

What does replicability do?

Answer 7

5. Replicability:
   ○ Determines validity
   ○ Other researchers replicate to verify findings

Question 8

What is objectivity and the empirical method?

Answer 8

6. Objectivity & the empirical method
   ○ Objectivity
   § No bias, demand characteristics, investigator effect, etc
   § Basis of empirical method
   ○ Empirical
   § Based on evidence, not logic