Features of Science

Question 1

Replicability

Answer 1

Being able to repeat research to get the same findings.

Question 2

Empiricism

Answer 2

Using a procedure meaning you are only measuring what can be directly observed

Question 3

Paradigm shift

Answer 3

When an important change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline occurs

Question 4

Paradigm

Answer 4

The basic assumptions, ways of thinking and methods of study that are commonly accepted by members of a discipline or group

Question 5

Falsifiability

Answer 5

The idea that a theory is only scientific if it is possible to consider it as false. Strongest scientific theories are the ones that survive the attempts to falsify

Question 6

Hypothesis testing

Answer 6

A theory should produce statements which can be tested

Question 7

Objectivity

Answer 7

The researcher should remain unbiased and value free when conducting research

Question 8

Is psychology a science - yes

Answer 8

• shares same goals as science - to predict and establish theories
• some approaches use scientific procedures not investigate theories, eg: Pavlov used a lab experiment

Question 9

Is psychology a science - no

Answer 9

Not all approaches use scientific methods - some use interviews and establish theories off a persons opinions

Research is likely to be influenced by extraneous variables that ar hard to control, like guessing study aims.