Features of science Flashcards
Empirical approach
psychology relies on empirical evidence, which means that research is based on observations and data collected through systematic and objective methods. This empirical approach ensures that conclusions are grounded in observable facts rather than speculation or intuition.
Objectivity
Objectivity means they aim to minimize personal biases and emotions that might influence interpretation of data. Objectivity helps to ensure that research findings are as accurate and unbiased as possible.
Replicable
The methods used in psychology should be replicable, meaning that other researchers should be able to reproduce the study using the same methods.
Falsifiability
This means that hypotheses and theories should be formulated in a way that they can be treated and potentially disproven. Researchers seek evidence that either supports or refutes their hypothesis
Ethical considerations
Ethical guidelines are crucial in psychology research to protect the rights and well being of participants. Researchers must obtain informed consent, maintain confidentiality and avoid causing harm to participants. Ethical considerations are integral part of the scientific method in psychology.
Peer review
Scientific research in psychology undergoes a process of peer review. This means that other experts in the field evaluate and critique the research methods, findings and conclusions before publication. peer review helps to ensure quality and credibility of research
Theory development
Psychology is not just about collecting data, it also involves the development and refinement of theories that explain and predict behaviour and mental process. The scientific method is used to test and refine these theories over time .
What is Kuhns theory?
-interested in explaining what separates scientific disciplines from non scientific disciplines through a set of shared assumptions
What is the paradigm shift?
process is seen as to much contradictory evidence to ignore
What is poppers opinion?
- a good science should be challenged and cannot be proved false
falsifiability- cannot be scientific unless it has the possibility of being proven false
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction of what the researcher expects to find
What is Pseudoscience?
An activity or belief that claims to be scientific but is not- lacks one or more feature of science
What is replicability?
A Piece of research that can be carried out again by the same or other researcher
What is objectivity?
-must be kept factual
-use quantitive data
-bias should be avoided
-must use empirical methods
What is the empirical method?
-scientific methods to collect quantitive data
-must be replicable
-e.g. lab experiments
