Features of a Science

Question 1

What are the 8 key features of a science?

Answer 1

Objectivity
Empirical method
Replicability
Falsifiability
Theory construction
Hypothesis testing
Paradigm
Paradigm shifts

Question 2

What is objectivity? Give examples of situations.

Answer 2

Key feature of a science is for researchers to remain objective, not letting personal bias / judgements affect data.

• Lab experiments are most objective - high control over EVs.
• Natural experiments least objective - natural - can’t control IVs or EVs.
• Observations can be prone to subjectivity - different interpretations of actions that may fall into behavioural categories.

Question 3

What is empirical formula?

Answer 3

Empirical formula is the idea that results gained in a controlled way to produce quantitative data.

Cannot create knowledge based on beliefs alone, so any theory should be empirically tested and verified in order to be scientific.

Reduces opportunity for researchers to make claims based on subjective opinions.

Question 4

What is replicability? Give examples of situations.

Answer 4

To be able to conduct the research again and achieve consistent results.

If findings can be generalised and valid, then any replication should produce similar findings.

Lab experiments are very replicable as you can produce same conditions.

Question 5

What is falsifiability?

Answer 5

Idea that a research hypothesis could be proven wrong.

So all investigations have a null hypothesis which suggests any relationship is due to chance.

Question 6

What are the 2 types of theory construction?

Answer 6

Inductive
Deductive

Question 7

What is the difference between deductive and inductive theory construction?

Answer 7

Inductive reasoning aims at developing a theory while deductive reasoning aims at testing an existing theory.

Question 8

What is theory construction and hypothesis testing?

Answer 8

A theory is a set of principles that intend to explain certain behaviours or events.
Repeating studies to ensure reliability and validity of findings. Allows generalisations to be made. Achieved because of standardisation of procedures.

Question 9

What is a paradigm?

Answer 9

A set of shared assumptions many psychologists agree on.

Question 10

What is a paradigm shift?

Answer 10

A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions - when psychologists agree with a different concept.