Features Of Science

Question 1

Science key features

Answer 1

Science is the systematic and controlled approach to creating knowledge that we can rely on to predict and control the world (e.g. find cures for schizophrenia)

Scientific methods used in Psychology include experiments, observations, case studies etc. that are systematic, controlled and produce valid and reliable data.

Question 2

Psychology is a science when

Answer 2

The sample is large and representative
Key words are defined and measured (Operationalised)
Confounding variables have been identified and controlled for (to see if they have an effect on the DV).
Pilot studies are conducted
There is a high element of control

Question 3

Empirical methods

Answer 3

A method of gaining knowledge which relies on direct observation or testing. This can help separate unfounded beliefs from real truth. We need to look for facts and scientific evidence that can be directly tested using empirical evidence

Question 4

A paradigm is a key feature of science

Answer 4

A paradigm is a shared set of assumptions and agreed methods that are found within scientific disciplines. Kuhn (1962) suggested that what distinguishes scientific and non-scientific disciplines is the presence of paradigms. Social sciences like Psychology lack a universal acceptance of paradigms and that is why psychology might be viewed as a, “Pre- science” rather than a science. Natural sciences like Biology and Physics have a number of principles at their core, e.g. the theory of evolution. Psychology however, has too many internal disagreements and conflicting approaches to qualify as a science and is a pre-science.

Question 5

Paradigm shift

Answer 5

Kuhn stated that a paradigm shift is when, “The result of a scientific revolution occurs. A significant change in the dominant unifying theory of a scientific discipline occurs and causes a paradigm shift.”
Paradigm shift occurs in two stages:

1) One theory remains dominant within a scientific discipline. Some researchers might question the accepted paradigm and might have contradictory research that disagrees with the main paradigm. Counter evidence might start to accumulate against the main paradigm, critics might begin to gain popularity and eventually the counter evidence becomes hard to ignore. The present paradigm might then be overthrown due to the emergence of a new one. This is an example of a paradigm shift.
2) An established science makes rapid progress and a scientific revolution occurs due to the paradigm shift

Question 6

Objectivity

Answer 6

Objectivity can be defined as: “Dealing with facts in a way that is unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings or expectations.”

Question 7

Objectivity is a key feature of science

Answer 7

A good researcher is always objective and keeps a, “critical distance” from the research they are conducting. Researchers should not let their personal opinions or biases interfere or affect the outcome of the research. This means that the findings of a piece of research should not be influenced by the psychologist that conducted the research in the first place. A high level of objectivity increases other researcher’s confidence that the results are accurate, and can be replicated.
Objectivity is the basis of the empirical method, and is more likely to be achieved when using laboratory experiments or observations.

Question 8

What is a theory

Answer 8

A theory is a framework/explanation for describing a phenomenon. It may be based on observations about the world or on empirical data derived from hypothesis testing