features of science

Question 1

what is a paradigm?

Answer 1

a set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline. they separate scientific and non-scientific disciplines

Question 2

who proposed paradigms and paradigm shifts?

Answer 2

kuhn

Question 3

what is kuhn’s view on psychology?

Answer 3

that it is not seen as a science (it’s pre-paradigmal) as it’s marked by too much internal disagreements and has too many conflicting approaches to quantify as a science

Question 4

kuhn flow diagram

Answer 4

paradigms -> paradigmal shift -> pre-paradigmal

Question 5

when does a paradigm shift occur?

Answer 5

if a handful of researchers begin to question the accepted paradigm, this critique begins to gather popularity and pace, and eventually a paradigm shift occurs when there is too much contradictory evidence to ignore

Question 6

what is an empirical method?

Answer 6

scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience

Question 7

what is theory construction?

Answer 7

the process of developing an explanation for the causes of behaviour by systematically gathering evidence and then organising this into a coherent account (theory)

Question 9

what is hypothesis testing?

Answer 9

a key feature of a theory is that it should only produce statements (hypotheses) which can then be tested. this is the way a theory can be falsified.

Question 10

what are the features of science?

Answer 10

•objectivity and the empirical method
•replicability and falsifiability
•theory construction and hypothesis testing
•paradigms and paradigm shift