Features Of Science

Question 1

Empirical methods

Answer 1

• Process of collating from direct experience
• in psychological research we gather data from direct observations of ptp

Question 2

Objectivity

Answer 2

• Data should be collected and interpreted in ways that avoid bias

Question 3

How can you improve objectivity

Answer 3

Systematic data collection: data gathering is planned out an consistant with each ptp

Double blind

Peer review: identify biased research

Question 4

What is control

Answer 4

• Experiment must be controlled, resulting in extraneous variables
• without control unable to establish and cause and effect relationship

Question 5

Replicability

Answer 5

Scientists are required to record their methods and produce standardised procedures so tat scientists can repeat their experiment an observations

Question 6

What does is mean when a scientist can replicate the same study and produce the same results

Answer 6

Increases validity

Question 7

Falsifiability

Answer 7

• Scientist have difficulty decided in how much evidence need to collected to ensure conclusion draw are correct
• no amount of evidence can ensure what is happening now will happen in the future
• any evidence that supports theory can only be seen a confirmation of usefulness not as truth

Question 8

How to overcome falsifiability

Answer 8

• Science must find a way to falsify (find evidence against) theories and hypothesis
• good theory can be empirically tested

Question 9

What is a paradigm shift

Answer 9

A shared set of assumptions and practises within a discipline or area of study at a particular period of time

Question 10

What did Kuhn suggest about paradigm

Answer 10

2 main phases in science
- one theory/paradigm remains dominant despite occasional challenges from disconfirming studies
- paradigm shift = the contradictory evidence accumulates until the theory can no longer be maintained then its over thrown

Question 11

2 types of theory construction

Answer 11

Deductive and inductive

Question 12

Inductive process of theory construction

Answer 12

1. Specific Observation
2. Text patterns and regularities
3. Construct a some tentative hypothesis
4. Develop some general conclusions and theories

Question 13

Is inductive theory construction scientific

Answer 13

No as hypothesis are often not specific enough to be tested

Question 14

Deductive process of theory construction

Answer 14

1. Theory already developed
2. Specific hypotheses
3. collect observations to address hypothesis
4. Specific data and find confirmation of our original theories

Question 15

What must a good theory generate

Answer 15

Testable exceptions, stated in the form o a hypothesis