features of science

Question 1

define paradigm

Answer 1

set of shared ideas and assumptions within a scientific discipline

Question 2

define a paradigm shift

Answer 2

a significant change in these central assumptions within a scientific discipline, resulting from a scientific revolution

Question 3

using paradigms, explain why psychology is unable to qualify as a science

Answer 3

psych has too much disagreement and conflicting approaches

Question 4

define theory

Answer 4

set of general principles and laws that can be used to explain specific events or behaviours

Question 5

how is a theory constructed?

Answer 5

gathering evidence from direct observation during investigations
- make diff hypotheses and then 1 will be supported

Question 6

what is deduction?

Answer 6

process of deriving new hypotheses from an already existing theory

Question 7

define replicability

Answer 7

the extent to which scientific methods and their results can be repeated by other researchers across other contexts and circumstances

Question 8

define falsifiability

Answer 8

a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it allows itslef to be proven untrue
- Popper (1934)
- theories that survive falsify attempts are strongest

Question 9

define objectivity

Answer 9

when all possible biases from the researcher are minimised so that they don’t influence or distort the research process

Question 10

what is the empirical method?

Answer 10

when evidence is collected through making direct observations and through direct experiences