Features of Science Flashcards
A key feature of science is the ability for researchers to remain objective, explain further.
They must not let their personal opinions, judgements or biases interfere with the data.
What is the empirical method?
The idea that knowledge is gained from direct experiences in an objective systematic and controlled manner to produce quantitative data.
Other than objectivity, what is the other key features of science?
Replicability and falsifiability
What is replicability?
the ability to conduct research again and achieve consistent results. If research is truly valid then replicated procedures should pounce the same results.
What is falsifiability?
the idea that a research hypothesis could be proved wrong, all research has a null hypothesis which suggests that any difference or relationship found is due to chance
What is a theory?
a set of principles that intend to explain certain behaviours or events.
What is the inductive process (‘bottom up’ approach)?
when researchers discover patterns or trends in their research so a theory can be constructed
What should be considered when designing a hypothesis?
It must be objective and measurable so that at the end of the investigation, a clear decision can be made as to whether results have supported or refuted the hypothesis.
What is the ‘top-down’ approach?
when the psychologist begins with a theory relating to a general topic which then gets narrowed down int a more specific hypothesis which can be tested empirically.
What is a paradigm?
a set of shared assumptions and methods within a particular discipline. (Psychology has too much disagreement at its core between the various approaches so it may be considered a pre-science.)
What is a paradigm shift?
When a field of study moves forward through a scientific revolution, maybe when a group of scientists begin to challenge an existing, accepted paradigm.
