7. RESEARCH METHODS (Features of a Science)

Question 1

What is the origin of the word “science”?

Answer 1

The word “science” comes from the Latin word “scientia,” meaning knowledge.

Question 2

What makes science a reliable way of understanding the world?

Answer 2

Science is systematic and controlled, allowing us to predict and control the world, such as building dams, creating vaccines, or treating disorders like schizophrenia.

Question 3

What is a common misconception about scientific methods?

Answer 3

A common misconception is that only experiments are scientific methods. In fact, observations, questionnaires, interviews, and case studies are also systematic scientific methods.

Question 4

What is the scientific method?

Answer 4

The scientific method involves making observations, developing hypotheses, testing those hypotheses empirically, and refining theories based on findings.

Question 5

What is the difference between the inductive and deductive models in science?

Answer 5

In the inductive model, hypotheses are developed from observations. In the deductive model, theory construction comes first, followed by testing and observations.

Question 6

What are the five key features of science?

Answer 6

The five key features of science are:
1. Empirical methods & empirical evidence
2. Objectivity
3. Replicability & falsifiability
4. Theory construction
5. Hypothesis testing

Question 7

What is empirical evidence?

Answer 7

Empirical evidence is information gained through direct observation or experiment, verified by objective measurements and observable by the senses.

Question 8

Why is objectivity important in science?

Answer 8

Objectivity ensures that scientific knowledge is free from bias, based on observable facts rather than personal opinions or emotions. It allows others to verify findings.

Question 9

How can researchers ensure objectivity in their work?

Answer 9

Researchers can ensure objectivity by operationalising variables, basing research on robust theories, using scientific methods (e.g., experiments), and controlling extraneous variables.

Question 10

What does “replicability” refer to in science?

Answer 10

Replicability refers to the ability of other researchers to repeat a study and obtain similar results, ensuring the reliability of the findings.

Question 11

What is falsifiability in the scientific context?

Answer 11

Falsifiability means that a theory or hypothesis must be testable and capable of being proven wrong. It is central to scientific progress, as theories can only be verified by attempting to disprove them.

Question 12

Why is falsifiability important in scientific research?

Answer 12

Falsifiability allows researchers to test theories by attempting to find evidence that contradicts them, rather than just confirming them.

Question 13

What example did Karl Popper use to explain falsifiability?

Answer 13

Popper used the example of swans: No matter how many white swans are observed, it cannot prove that all swans are white. A single black swan can disprove the theory.

Question 14

What is the process of hypothesis testing in science?

Answer 14

Hypothesis testing involves developing testable expectations from a theory. If a hypothesis is unsupported by data, the theory must be modified or rejected.

Question 15

What are the key features of theory construction?

Answer 15

A theory is a set of general principles that explain observations and can help predict phenomena. It must be rigid, testable, and continually refined based on new research.

Question 16

How does theory construction and hypothesis testing work together?

Answer 16

Theories are modified through hypothesis testing. If a hypothesis fails, the theory is adjusted. For scientific progress, theories must be continually tested, refined, and operationalised.

Question 17

What is meant by “operationalising variables”?

Answer 17

Operationalising variables means defining them in specific, measurable terms so they can be tested empirically.

Question 18

What is a “paradigm” in science according to Kuhn?

Answer 18

A paradigm is a shared set of assumptions, methods, and beliefs that guide research within a scientific discipline. It dictates how research is conducted and interpreted.

Question 19

How did Kuhn view psychology in terms of paradigms?

Answer 19

Kuhn suggested that psychology lacks a universally accepted paradigm and is therefore more of a “pre-science,” unlike natural sciences like biology and physics.

Question 20

What is a “paradigm shift”?

Answer 20

A paradigm shift occurs when a dominant scientific theory is replaced by a new one due to accumulating evidence that contradicts the old theory. For example, the shift from geocentrism to heliocentrism.

Question 21

Can you give examples of paradigm shifts in science?

Answer 21

Examples include Copernicus’ heliocentric model of the solar system, and the shift from Newtonian physics to Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Question 22

What is the argument for psychology being considered a science?

Answer 22

By adopting scientific methods, psychology gains credibility, providing practical applications and improving lives, even though some psychologists argue that it may be dehumanising.

Question 23

Why do some psychologists argue against psychology as a science?

Answer 23

Some psychologists, particularly from the humanist approach, argue that scientific methods dehumanize individuals and ignore the unique qualities of human beings, focusing too much on control and measurement.

Question 24

What is a criticism of the scientific approach in psychology?

Answer 24

One criticism is that scientific methods may lack ecological validity, making findings less applicable to real-world human behaviour and experiences.