Features of a Science

Question 1

Features of a science

Answer 1

Elements and characteristics comprising the scientific process

Question 2

What are the 7 key features of a science?

Answer 2

1. Hypothesis testing
2. Empirical method
3. Falisifiability
4. Replicability
5. Control
6. Objectivity
7. Theory construction

Question 3

Hypothesis Testing

Answer 3

Using the scientific process in order to test whether or not a hypothesis is accurate

Question 4

Empirical method

Answer 4

Uses direct observations to collect quantitative data, in ways which are controlled and replicable

Question 5

List 3 reasons why the empirical method an important feature of science?

Answer 5

Relies on objectivity:
* Empirical method ensures conclusions are based on measurable and observable data, as opposed to personal beliefs
* This objectivity is vital for the credibility of conclusions
* Credibility can increase the chances of the conclusion being accepted by others

Replicability:
* Can validify or disprove hypothese, eliminate biases, (researcher bias), and potentially increase generalisability

Question 6

Falsifiability

Answer 6

When hypothesis’ and scientific statements are capable of being proven wrong

Question 7

Unfalsifiability

Answer 7

When no empirical test can establish that a theory or hypothesis is false

Question 8

Give an example of a famous psychological theory which is criticised for being unfalsifiable.

Answer 8

Freud’s Psychodynamic Approach

Question 9

Why is Freud’s Psychodynamic Approach unfalsifiable?

Answer 9

He made assumptions about our behaviour stemming from our upbringing which couldn’t be empirically tested to see if they were untrue

Question 10

Hypothetico-deductive model of science

Answer 10

• Model proposed by Popper in 1935
• Introduced falsification into scientific method
• He viewed falsification as being the determining factor on whether something is or isn’t scientific
• he believed that multiple positive validiations of a theory doesn’t mean it is undeniably true, however, one falsification makes a theory untrue/false

Question 11

What was the name of the model proposed by Popper in 1935?

Answer 11

Hypothetico-deductive model of science

Question 12

Replicability

Answer 12

• Ability to repeat the study in order to test the validity of the results
• The repetition of the study could be carried out by the same researcher or a different researcher
• It is only possible if the original research has been designed in a way which can be controlled, (Ex: Standardised instructions)

Question 13

List 3 reasons why replicability is an important feature of a science?

Answer 13

1. Validation of findings - If a study’s results can be replicated consistently, it strengthens the validity of original findings
2. Elimination of bias - By replicating studies, any biases or errors in the original study should be eliminated - If different researchers get the same results, it suggests the findings are not due to researcher bias
3. Generalisability - Replicating studies in different settings or cultures can potentially determine if the findings can be generalised to the wider population, (Ex: Could link to Collectivist and Individualistic Cultures)

Question 14

What does it mean if the results ‘replicate’?

Answer 14

If a repetition of a study achieves the same results, then we say the results have replicated

Question 15

Control group

Answer 15

A group where the IV is not manipulated by the researcher

Question 16

Experimental group

Answer 16

A group where the IV is manipulated by the researcher

Question 17

What do scientists have both a control group and an experimental group?

Answer 17

So they can compare the two in order to establish a cause and effect relationship

Question 18

Extraneous Variable

Answer 18

A variable other than the IV which may influence the DV

EXAM TIP: If the researcher tries to reduce the effects of extraneous variables, never say extraneous variables are removed, always say that they are controlled

Question 19

Confounding Variable

Answer 19

A type of extraneous variable that varies according to the level of the IV

Question 20

Diagram illustrates the relationships between the variables

Question 21

Objectivity

Answer 21

Obeservations are made without personal bias or value judgements

Question 22

Albert Einstein quote that emphasises the importance of falsifiability.

Answer 22

“No amount of experiments can prove me right; a single experiment can prove me wrong.”

Question 23

Can researchers be subconsciously affected by biases?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

Give 2 ways that researchers lessen the possibility of unconscious bias?

Answer 24

• Standardised instructions - More difficult to be bias towards one particular P or group of Ps if they are all given the exact same instructions
• Double-blind technique - If neither the P or experimenter knows who is receiving a particular teatment then it is harder for their personal biases to affect the experiment

Question 25

Theory

Answer 25

A comprehensive and falsifiable explanation which has been backed up by the scientific method

*Can be used to come up with new hypotheses

Question 26

Theory construction

Answer 26

When hypotheses are generated and tested using the scientific method to explan phenomena

Question 27

Paradigm

Answer 27

An accepted set of beliefs by individuals in a particular discipline on a particular topic

Question 28

Paradigm shifts

Answer 28

Revolutionary changes in scientific assumptions in a particular discipline