Features Of A Science

Question 1

What is a paradigm?

Answer 1

A paradigm consists of the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methods of study that are commonly accepted by members of a discipline or group

Question 2

What is a paradigm shift?

Answer 2

Also known as a scientific revolution, it involves researchers beginning to question an accepted paradigm and start accepting another paradigm when there is contradicting evidence.

Question 3

What is a theory?

Answer 3

A set of general laws or principles that have the ability to explain particular events or behaviours.

Question 4

What does testing a theory depend on?

Answer 4

Being able to make clear and precise predictions on the basis of the theory.

Question 5

What makes a theory scientific?

Answer 5

Being able to offer testable hypothesis that can be rigorously tested.

Question 6

What is falsifiability?

Answer 6

It is the principle that a theory can only be considered scientific if it can be established as false.

Question 7

What is Replicability?

Answer 7

• the ability to repeat findings across a number of different contexts
• this allows us to generalise findings

Question 8

What is objectivity?

Answer 8

-reducing bias and making researchers opinions and feelings not influence the experiment.

Question 9

What is empirical method?

Answer 9

• They are methods that emphasise the importance of data collection based on direct, sensory experience.
• An empirical method involves the use of objective, quantitative observation in a systematically controlled, replicable situation, in order to test or refine a theory

Question 10

What are the features of a science?

Answer 10

• Objectivity
• replicability
• falsifiability
• theory construction
• empirical method
• paradigm and paradigm shifts