Chp 1: Into To Scientific Research

Question 1

Explain each of the approaches to acquiring knowledge and how these methods are used in science.

Answer 1

1) Intuition- insight without reason
Ex. Process of forming hypotheses
2) Authority-accepted info based on highly respected source
Ex. Assess probability of hypo it testable, also used in design stage of study.
3) Rationalism- knowledge through reasoning
Ex-scientific process, derive hypo, identify outcomes that would provide truth or falsify hypo.
4) Empiricism-knowledge through experience
Ex-conduct observations under controlled conditions, used to minimize research bias and max objectivity

Question 2

What is Naturalism?

Answer 2

Position popular in behavioural science stating that science should justify its practices according to how well they work rather than according to philosophical arguments
-rejects foundational epistemology
-is pragmatic, measured empirically
“Empirical adequacy”

Question 3

What is Kuhn’s approach to science?

Answer 3

• conducted historical analysis of science 1962
• famous book “the structure of scientific revolutions”
• suggests that science reflects two types of activity: Normal science and Revolutionary science
  ie. values, technical language, key concepts, activities of scientists that identify science

Question 4

Why has freyerabend argued that there is no such thing as a scientific method of science?

Answer 4

• many methods, many complexities, not as simple and formulaic as is made to appear
• “anything goes”
• stated, scientific knowledge was not nearly as secure as scientists would have the public believe

Question 5

List the basic assumptions of scientific research and explain their needs.

Answer 5

Uniformity
Reality
Discoverability

Question 6

List and define characteristics of scientific research. Explain each.

Answer 6

Control
Operationalism
Replication

Question 7

What is pseudoscience?

What are the faulty strategies in pseudoscience?

Answer 7

Set of beliefs or practices that are not scientific but claim to be scientific. Methods, practices, claims that violate truth to science.

Creating new hypo in order to explain negative findings
Exclusive use of confirmation and reinterpretation of negative findings as supporting claim
Absence of self-correction through continual and rigorous testing
Reversed burden of proof
Over reliance on testimonials and anecdotal evidence
Ambiguous or confusing language to make claim sound scientific
Absence of connection to other disciplines that study issues related to claim.