features of science Flashcards
psychology as a science
According to American philosopher, a science should have a shared set of assumptions, scientific methods, terminology.
The fact that within psychology there are conflicting explanations and assumptions about human behaviour has led to some labelling psychology as unscientific.
A science should provide precise (operationalised) hypotheses which can be tested in order to support or refuse a theory.
Psychology does try to aspire to this goal, however some aspects of behaviour and cognition are not easy to define.
objectivity and the empirical method
Objectivity - all forms of bias are minimised. Scientists agree that objectivity must be maintained as part of their investigations, they must keep a critical distance during their research to avoid influence or interference and keep free from bias.
Case studies are not objective.
Empirical methods - scientific approaches that are based on gathering evidence through direct observation and experience. They emphasise the importance of data collection based on direct experience rather than using secondary methods, such as meta-analysis’
replication and falsifiability
replication - the extent to which procedures and findings can be repeated. In order for replication to become possible, psychologists must report their investigations with as much precision as possible to allow other researchers to verify their work and findings.
Falsifiability - theories cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved false. For a theory to be genuine, it should be able to be tested and the possibility of being proved wrong should exist. Therefore true science should not only be able to show data is true but also that it can be shown untrue.
theory construction and hypothesis testing
Theory construction - the process of developing an explanation for the causes of behaviour by gathering evidence and organising it into a theory.
Hypothesis testing - be able to produce statements that can be tested so that a theory can be falsified.
paradigms and paradigm shifts
Paradigm - a shared set of assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline.
Paradigm shift - a significant change in the dominant, unifying theory within a scientific discipline, for example the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin.
