Features of science Flashcards
Basis of science: Paradigm
A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline
Basis of science: Paradigm shift
The result of a scientific revolution when there is a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline
Approach to scientific research: Theory construction
The process of developing an explanation for the causes of behaviour by systematically gathering evidence and then organising this into a coherent account
Approach to scientific research: Hypothesis testing
A key feature of a theory is that is should produce statements (hypotheses) which can then be tested. Only in this way can a theory be falsified
Approach to testing theories: Falsifiability
The principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue (false)
Improving trust in our findings: Replicability
Just because something happens once, does not mean it will happen again
This is why can can never ‘prove’ a theory
The best way can do is try it many times, count the times we get the same findings
The more often it work = more reliable the theory
Avoiding opinion: Objectivity
All sources if personal bias are minimised so as not to distort or influence the research process
Avoiding opinion: Empirical method
Scientific approaches that are based on gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience
Two reasons why psychology is a science
By adopting a scientific model of enquiry, psychology gives itself greater credibility by being placed on equal footing with other, more established sciences
Scientific approach in psych has provided many applications that have improved people’s lives and challenged/modified dysfunctional behaviour
Two reasons why psychology is not a science
May not be possible in psych that it can produce universal laws which can be generalised across time and space
Some methods that psychologists use are subjective, non standardised and unscientific
