I&D Features of science

Question 1

There are 9 key features of science, name them
1. T_______ h_______
2. F__________
3. E_____ m______
4. S_________ a______
5. C_______ a__ e_____
6.N_________
7.O_________
8.P__________
9.T____ c_____

Answer 1

testable hypothesis
falsifiable
empirical methods
standarised approach
cause and effect
nomothetic
objectivity
paradigm
theory construction

Question 2

what is the name of the researcher who developed the ‘three stages of science’

Answer 2

Kuhn 1970- argues there are three distinct stages in the development of science

Question 3

name the three stages of science and what they are

Answer 3

1. prescience- no paradigms exist- lots of debates about what the subject is and its theoretical approaches eg. psychology
2. true science- has an accepted paradigm, that can explain and interpret all findings eg. chemistry
3. scientific revolution- there’s evidence against an old paradigm so there is a paradigm shift, cause the new one replaces the old one eg. in cosmology

Question 4

define paradigm

Answer 4

an agreed set of theoretical assumptions about a subject

Question 5

is Behaviourist scientific or not

Answer 5

yes it is
prefers laboratory experiments
studies behaviour that can be observed and measured
determined by external factors
born as a tabula rasa
nurture

Question 6

what are the three studies in behaviourism

Answer 6

1. Pavlov’s dogs- classical conditioning
2. Watson and Rayner’s Little Albert
3. Skinner’s box rat study -operant conditioning

Question 7

is the SLT scientific or not

Answer 7

yes it is
prefers to use labs and observational studies
learning through Observation and Imitation
C&O conditioning but also learn indirectly through vicarious reinforcement
combines cognitive and behaviourist elements to explain learning
Example: Bandura’s bobo doll study- mediational processes and self efficacy

Question 8

is the cognitive approach scientific or not

Answer 8

yes it is
uses theoretical models to study internal mental processes scientifically
eg. computer analogy , information processing model (input–> processing–> output
studies memory,thinking and perception
schemas indirectly studied using inferences

Cognitive Neuroscience
example: Paul Broca
fMRI- blood flow to detect areas of activity
PET scans- 3D imaging, detect radiation, where not shown may have abnormalities
EEG- Small sensors attached to scalp to pick up electrical signals

Question 9

is the humanistic approach scientific or not

Answer 9

not it is not
everyone is unique so its idiographic
free will so we control our behaviour
viewed holistically
it is subjective
example: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Question 10

is the biological approach scientific or not

Answer 10

yes it is
lab experiments and bran scanning techniques
collects quantitative data analysis
objective and reliable
behaviour is determined by biological factors such as : genetics, evolution and natural selection, structure of brian and its function and the nervous system

Question 11

is the Psychodynamic approach scientific or not

Answer 11

it is not scientific
unconscious forces control our behaviour, feelings and thoughts
childhood experiences influences adult behaviour
3 levels to the consciousness: ego, id, superego
prefers case studies

Question 12

What is the definition of a ‘science’

Answer 12

A science is a systematic approach to create knowledge about a phenomenon.

Question 13

Name the five types of scientific methods used in psychology?

Answer 13

Laboratory experiments, observations, case studies, interviews, questionnaires

Question 14

List the 9 features of science

Answer 14

1. Testable hypothesis - ability to test and retest a hypothesis
2. Having a Falsifiable Concept - Understanding that there’s a possibility that the hypothesis can be proven to be false = Humanistic approach
3. Using Empirical Methods of investigation- involves using of objective observable evidence to draw conclusions in a systematic way to test or refine a theory. E.g. measuring ‘stress’ from their heart rate and Not a scale of 1-10.
4. Standardising the approach so the variables are controlled, in order to replicate the research and come out with the same findings = Bandura’s bobo doll
5. Establishing Cause and Effect – showing one variable has a Direct impact on another variable
   = Asch’s line study
6. The research has a Nomothetic approach- must have general laws which governs human behaviour
7. Research must have Objectivity - researching and making it reliable and truthful without bias= Biological approach and Replicability - findings must be tested repeatedly to identify if they conclude the same results
8. Must have a Paradigm, an agreement on a set of theoretical assumptions about that subject AND it’s method of enquiry
9. Have a Theory of Construction - Having explanations and theories for facts, otherwise the facts are meaningless

Question 15

Name a paradigm shift

Answer 15

Cognitive Revolution in 1970, there was a paradigm shift from Behaviourism ,1920’s, onward’s until the research of the cognitive approach was discovered in 1970’s

Question 16

Name and give examples of studies or approaches of 3 Arguments in favour of psych being a science

Answer 16

• Theories are based on empirical evidence.
• It has arguably gone through paradigm shifts. For example the cognitive revolution in 1970
• Theories developed have led to treatments for abnormal behaviours, which have greatly helped people. For example, OCD, Schizophrenia, PKU, CBT

Question 17

Name and give an example of studies or approaches of 4 Arguments against psych being a science

Answer 17

• The methods used are prone to bias, for example demand characteristics from participants. For example, Zimbardo’s prison experiment- acted in a way that they expected the social roles would act.
• It may not produce universal laws in psychology, as research studies can’t be generalised to everyone. For example, Ainsworth’s strange situation studying attachment types
• Some theories can’t be tested directly (cognitive, evolutionary, psychodynamic explanations) so can’t be objectively measured.
• Not one accepted paradigm, as all approaches disagree with other explanations. Comparison between Humanistic approach and the behaviourist approach