7.2: Features of science

Question 1

Outline what is meant by replication in research (2 marks)

Answer 1

Replication in research is being able to copy the original experiment/research using the same methods and procedures in order to see if the results are the same or similar

Question 2

Explain why replication forms an essential part of the scientific approach (2 marks)

Answer 2

Replication forms an essential part of the scientific approach, because it increases confidence in the results obtained and theory is strengthened through the repeated attempts at refutation or falsification

Question 3

Explain why generalisation is an important principle of the scientific approach (1 mark)

Answer 3

Generalisation is an important principle of the scientific approach, because for theories and findings from research to be of value, it is important, since science seeks to discover general laws of behaviour from which predictions can be made

Question 4

Explain what is meant by a paradigm in science (1 mark)

Answer 4

A paradigm in science is a unifying and agreed-upon subject matter and/or method within any scientific field