a01 science

Question 1

What 5 things is scientific knowledge aimed to be based on

Answer 1

Empirical methods
Objectivity
Replicability
Theory construction
Hypothesis testing

Question 2

Talk about empirical methods

Answer 2

Info is gained through direct observation or experiment rather than by reasoned argument or unfounded beliefs

Aims to collect facts

This is important cz ppl can make claims about anything and only way to test if it’s true is by showing empirical evidence

Question 3

Talk about objectivity

Answer 3

Findings should be objective rather than subjective so shouldn’t be affected by expectations of researcher

This is done by carefully controlling conditions

And using lab experiments to control the independent variable to show clear evidence if cause and effect

Question 4

Talk about Replicability

Answer 4

To demonstrate validity you must repeat

Valid results if findings are the same especially from a different person

To do this you should mention the procedure so it can be exactly copied and verify the original results

Question 5

Talk about theory construction

Answer 5

Facts alone are meaningless

Explanations and Theories must be constructed to make sense of the facts

They can help us understand and predict the natural phenomena around us

Question 6

Talk about hypothesis testing

Answer 6

Theories are modified through hypothesis testing

A good theory must be able to generate testable expectations which are stated in the form if a hypothesis

If scientists doesn’t find support for a hypothesis then theory requires modification