Advantages Of The Scientific Method

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

The scientific method involves testing the hypothesis under objective, controlled conditions usually in a laboratory.
Tries to establish cause and effect.
Two methods that maybe employed in psychology inductive and deductive.

Question 2

First Paragraph

Answer 2

Empirical: gained through direct observation, rather than reasoned argument or unfounded belief. Aims to collect facts.

WITAA: doesn’t allow for subjective bias. Quantitative methods allow beliefs to be separated from facts.

E.g. Bandura believed that children may behave aggressively if there’s an aggressive adult. Conducted research to prove it.

Question 3

Second paragraph

Answer 3

Replicable: scientists record and standardise research carefully so that it can be repeated.

WITAA: adds to the reliability of the study, leads to close to being fact.

E.g. Burger 2009 repeated Milgrams study and found similar findings.

Question 4

Third paragraph

Answer 4

Controlled: enables researchers to demonstrate causal relationships. Vary the IV and view effects on the DV + control extraneous variables.

WITAA: clearly shows effect of IV and DV (cause and effect)

E.g. Loftus and Palmer showed the effects of leading questions.

Question 5

Fourth paragraph

Answer 5

Falsifiable as advanced by Karl Popper

Allows theories to be progressed as it tries to falsify them and prove other things.

For example Freud’s psychodynamic approach cannot be falsified or proven therefore in that sense psychology cannot progress forward.