Features of Psychology as a Science

Question 1

What is the Empirical Method?

Answer 1

The empirical method is the process of collecting data from direct experience; in psychological research, this is the data we gather from direct observation of participants.

Question 2

Objective

Answer 2

Free from bias, interpretation or judgement and therefore is represented by fact.

Question 3

Subjective

Answer 3

Open by interpretation or personal view and therefore may be influenced by bias.

Question 4

Systematic

Answer 4

Carried out according to a fixed plan or methodology.

Question 5

Replicable

Answer 5

A study or method that is able to be precisely repeated because its procedures and standardised.

Question 6

Falsifiable

Answer 6

The possibility of showing a theory or observation as false or incorrect.

Question 7

Paradigm shift

Answer 7

Philosopher of science Thomas Khun (1972) suggests scientific fields develop in a series of “scientific revolutions” known as paradigm shifts.