Features of Science Flashcards
What are the features of science?
- objectivity
- replicability
- falsifiability
- theory construction
- hypothesis testing
- empirical testing
- paradigm
- paradigm shift
define objectivity
The idea that research must be impartial and free from opinion from the researchers, therefore not containing bias
what is the opposite of objectivity?
Subjectivity
When is objective research produced?
when empirical methods are used
define replicability
The ability for research to be conducted multiple times to verify how reliable the results are
What should be done in order for a test to be repeated?
everything should be standardised
What does conducting an experiment enable a researcher to do?
to decide if the theory is correct or not
define falsifiability
Refers to whether something can be proven wrong
what is an example of falsifiability?
Freud’s triparte
it cannot be scientifically tested as we cannot see/measure it
(cannot prove its right or wrong)
who was the philosopher who argued falsifiability was a key scientific theory?
Carl Popper
define theory construction
the process of formulating and assembling components to make a theories
how is a theory constructed?
by gathering evidence through experiments to test the hypothesis
what is the importance of theory construction?
Allows researchers to accept/reject hypothesis, therefore accepting/rejecting the theory
define hypothesis
A testable prediction made when using empirical methods to test a theory
define hypothesis testing
Testing if the research supports a hypothesis
theories can be developed and modified
why do we make hypothesis?
to test a theory + have evidence to disprove/prove the theory
define empirical method
Refers to the scientific methods which focus around gathering evidence
What are the types of empirical methods?
- experimentation
- direct observation
both use observable + measurable concepts
define paradigm
a commonly held belief within a scientific discipline
examples of paradigms
evolution of biology - all biologists believe in the theory of evolution
concept of the atom
What lacks paradigm and who suggested it did?
Thomas Kuhn
social sciences
define paradigm shift
When revolutionary research takes place which shifts the paradigm (commonly held belief)
the paradigm changes
example of paradigm shift
Scientists believe the earth was flat (paradigm), but after multiples researches, they found that the earth was round
