Features of a science

Question 1

What are the 6 features of a science?

Answer 1

Empirical methods
Hypothesis testing
Objectivity
Replicability
Theory construction
Establish cause and effect

Question 2

Explain objectivity as a feature of a science.

Answer 2

Research not impacted by opinions of the researcher.
Environment should be controlled.
Self-report questions or experiment instructions should be absolutely clear.

Question 3

Describe replicability as a feature of a science.

Answer 3

If researchers are able to repeat findings and conclusions of a study.
Affirms truth of original results.
Standardised procedure.

Question 4

Describe cause and effect as a feature of a science (similar to objectivity).

Answer 4

Control all extraneous variables
Control participant variables through experimental design.

Question 5

Describe theory construction as a feature of a science.

Answer 5

Explanations - theories are made to make sense of facts.
Consists of general principles and explains general theories and facts.
Allow us to understand and predict behaviour.

Question 6

Describe hypothesis testing as a feature of a science.

Answer 6

Experimental methods and stats tests.
Theories are tested by stats test - if null is accepted then they can be modified.
Aims to falsify.

Question 7

Outline empirical methods as a feature of a science.

Answer 7

1st = Wundt.
Information based on facts that is derived from direct observation or experiment rather than beliefs that do not have a factual basis.