features of a science Flashcards
define paradigm
a shared set of assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline
what did Kuhn argue regarding psychology being a science
He however argues that social sciences lack a universally accepted paradigm. He therefore considers them pre-science and distinct from Biology and Physics.
define paradigm shift
the result of a scientific revolution when there is a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline
define Theory construction
the process of developing an explanation for the causes of behaviour by systematically gathering evidence and then organising this into a coherent account
define Hypothesis testing
a theory should produce hypothesis which can then be tested. Only in this way, can a theory be falsified
define Falsifiability
the principles that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue
define Replicability
The extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers.
Popper believes that a scientific theory can only be trusted if the findings are repeated across contexts and circumstances.
This allows us to generalise the findings.
define Objectivity
all sources of personal bias are minimised as not to distort or influence the research process
why are lab experiments considered to be the most objective
Lab experiments tend to have the highest levels of control therefore are considered the most objective.
define the empirical method
scientific approaches are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience
what are the 5 features of a science
paradigms and paradigm shifts
theory construction and hypothesis testing
falsifiability
replicability
objectivity and the empirical method
