Features of science Flashcards
Define the term paradigm.
A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific.
What has Philosopher Thomas Kuhn (1962) suggested about psychology and other social sciences in relation to paradigm?
They are not scientific, as they do not possess a single paradigm- they have a number of competing assumptions (for example, the various approaches to psychology each emphasise a different explanation of human behaviour).
Define the term paradigm shift.
A significant change in the dominant unifying theory within scientific discipline as a result of a scientific revolution.
When do paradigm shifts occur?
This happens once enough evidence emerges to challenge the current paradigm. An example of a paradigm shift would be when Einstein’s theory of relativity changed the accepted assumptions within physics.
How can it be argued that psychology does have a paradigm?
The acceptance of the scientific method to test theories- and has gone through paradigm shifts- for example Wundt’s structuralism, to behaviourism, to the cognitive neuroscience model being dominant in the subject.
What is a theory?
Is a set of general laws or rules to explain events or behaviours.
Briefly explain the construction of a theory.
A theory might be put forward about a particular aspect of behaviour, such as memory, social influence or attachment behaviour. This forms the basis of a hypothesis- a testable prediction of what will happen in a research study investigating the theory.
Explain the hypothesis testing.
Once the study is conducted, the hypothesis can be accepted or rejected, leading to acceptance of the theory or modification of the theory. This process is known as deduction.
What is falsifiability?
The principle that a theory can’t be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue (false).
Who argued that in order for a theory to be truly scientific, it must be falsifiable?
The philosopher Karl Popper (1934).
Popper used the example of swans. If the theory is that all swans are white, then no amount of observations of white swans would ‘prove’ this, as there might be a black swan out there that hasn’t been observed. Therefore, the researcher should try to find the black swan.
Explain replicability.
The ability to repeat psychological studies in order to check that the findings are reliable. This is an important aspect of science, as it means that the findings can be repeated at different times, in different places, with different participants. If similar results are seen each time, the results are generalizable, and the validity is strengthened.
Define the term objectivity.
Is the idea of keeping a critical distance so that investigation isn’t affected by the personal feelings and experiences of the researcher. The researcher should remain value-free and unbiased when conducting their investigations.
What is an empirical method?
Refers to using observable evidence to draw conclusions and propose theories.
