features of science

Question 1

The Prof

Answer 1

T - theory construction
H - hypothesis testing
E - empirical methods

P - paradigm
R - replicability
O - objectivity
F - falsification

8m = 2/3 features

Question 2

Theory construction

Answer 2

• theory is explanation for describing phenomenon
• based on observations around the world
• help us understand and predict things
• theory construction allows us make prediction about behaviour
• create hypothesis and test it empirically
• use this to support original theory
• progress through scientific cycle of enquiry

Question 3

Hypothesis testing

Answer 3

• all hypotheses should be justifiable and testable
• able to test if true or false
• allow refine theories through acceptance or rejection of experimental or null hypothesis

Question 4

Empirical methods

Answer 4

• information gained through direct observation or experiment
• rather than opinion

Question 5

What is a paradigm?

Answer 5

• where scientific disciplines have shared set of assumptions and methods
• psychology lacks universally accepted paradigm
• argue psychology has number of different paradigms
• e.g. behaviourism, cognitive approach

Question 6

Paradigm shift

Answer 6

• when there is a revolutionary change
• in scientific assumptions
• old paradigm is replaced with new one
• e.g. move away from behavioural to cognitive psychology

Question 7

Replicability

Answer 7

• repeat research using same method/procedure
• to check for similar findings
• procedures must be operationalised and detailed
• allows us to check findings are eternally valid
• test a different group of people
• to see if similar behaviour is observed
• helps to generalise theory to target population
• increases confidence in results

Question 8

Objectivity

Answer 8

• when research not affected by expectations of researcher
• use factual measurements and measurable data
• or controlled conditions to reduce subjectivity

Question 9

Falsification

Answer 9

• ability to prove theory wrong
• testable hypothesis should include alternative and null hypothesis

Question 10

AO3 for features of science - reductionist

Answer 10

• limitation objective research when establishing psych as science - lead to reductionist POV
• simplifies behaviour into simple basic units
• e.g. simplifies OCD to simple basic units like mutated SERT gene - identified by objective methods e.g. gene mapping
• neglects holistic approach - takes into account variety of factors - e.g. culture and socio0economic background
• fail to gain full understanding of human behaviour in context

Question 11

AO3 for features of science - practical applications

Answer 11

• strength of replicability - lead to practical applications
• e.g. skinner investigated reinforcement in rats - rats placed in controlled environment
• so research can be replicated in same conditions
• increases credibility
• help to develop practical applications
• e.g. token economy systems for people suffering with Schizophrenia - help manage symptoms
• features of science important part of applied psych

Question 12

AO3 for features of science - falsified

Answer 12

• limitation - if psych follows all features of science - some theories cannot be falsified
• e.g. freud - psychodynamic approach - idea of 5 psychosexual stages children progress through to have normal development
• this theory cannot be falsified - no way of testing if true or false - due to unscientific nature of studying unconscious
• so not all areas of psych considered a science - due to unscientific methods - lowering credibility of psych as a science

Question 13

Features of science: how it fits together

Answer 13

Page 54 of statistics booklet