Features of a Science A2 Flashcards
What is a paradigm?
A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods
Why is Psych not a science according to paradigms?
There is too much internal disagreement with too many conflicting approaches
When does a paradigm shift occur?
When there is a scientific revolution that causes contradictory evidence to arise
Who suggested paradigms?
Kuhn (1962)
Define a ‘theory’
a set of general laws that have the ability to explain particular events of behaviour
How are theories constructed?
Through gathering evidence via direct observation
What is the role of Hypothesis Testing?
Possibility to make clear and precise predictions on the basis of a theory
Why should a theory suggest a number of hypotheses?
To be able to be scientifically tested
How is a hypothesis tested?
using systematic and objective methods to determine if the theory can be supported or refuted
What is deduction?
deriving a new hypothesis from an existing theory
What is Flasifiability?
When a theory cant be considered to be scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue/false
What kind of sciences cant be proven to be false?
Pseudoscience
Define Replicability
when findings from a trusted scientific theory are repeatable across a number of different contexts and circumstances
What does replicability determine?
Reliability
Generalisability
What is Objectivity?
Maintaining a critical distance during research to ensure that the researcher doesn’t impose their personal opinions or biases on their data or on the behaviour of the ppts
