General Scientific Practice

Question 1

What are 4 general features of Scientific Theory?

Answer 1

Generality
Predictivity
Simplicity
Reductivity

Question 2

What are 3 features of a valid piece of evidence?

Answer 2

• Objective
• Generalisable
• Theoretical impact

Question 3

Define METHODOLOGY

Answer 3

The way in which data/evidence is collected

Question 4

Define MEASUREMENT

Answer 4

Performing an observation according to a standardised procedure in order to maximise objectivity

Question 5

Define REDUCTIVITY (x3)

Answer 5

1) The idea that all natural phenomena can be explained once broken into its constituent parts
2) Finding deeper levels of explanation in the fundamentals and universals of the world as we know it
3) A scientific theory should be simple enough to explain and make sense to others

Question 6

What is OCCAM’S RAZOR?

Answer 6

The Theory that the most simple answer is (most likely) the solution

Question 7

What is PSYCHOACOUSTICS?

Answer 7

The study of how physical properties of sound become psychological percepts (i.e. pitch, timbre)

Question 8

What is COGNITIVE SCIENCE? How does it differ from NEUROSCIENCE?

Answer 8

COGNATIVE SCIENCE examines the computation processes enacted by the brain

NEUROSCIENCE concerns the physical/ biological structures of the brain

Question 9

What does WEIRD stand for? What does it concern?

Answer 9

• Henrich et al., 2010
• Issues of representation and generalisability in sampling
• ‘Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich,
  and Democratic’