Features of Science

Question 1

Paradigms and paradigm shifts

Answer 1

scientific subjects have a shared set of assumptions and a scientific revolution when there’s a paradigm shift

Question 2

Theory construction and hypothesis testing

Answer 2

theory construction occurs through gathering evidence from direct observation
researchers can produce clear and precise hypothesis to test the validity of the theory

Question 3

falsifiability

Answer 3

scientific theories should hold themselves up for hypotheses testing and the possibility of being proved false

Question 4

replicability

Answer 4

if a scientific theory is to be trusted, its findings must be shown to be repeatable across time and context, the methods used should also be repeatable

Question 5

objectivity and the empirical method

Answer 5

scientists must minimise all sources of personal bias and gather evidence through direct observation and experience