L5- Features of Science, Empirical methods, Paradigms, Paradigm shifts & Objectivity Flashcards
What is a science?
Science- systematic and controlled approach to creating knowledge that can be relied on to predict and control 🌎 (e.g. find cures for schizophrenia)
What are the key features of a science?
1) Paradigms
2) Objectivity
What scientific methods are used in psychology and what are general features of all of them?
1) Experiments
2) Observations
3) Case studies
- Systematic, controlled and produce valid and reliable
When is psychology a science (science features in psychology)?
1) Sample large and representative
2) Key words defined and measured (Operationalised)
3) Confounding variables identified and controlled (preventing effect on DV)
4) Pilot studies conducted
5) ⬆️ element of control
What are empirical methods?
Method of gaining knowledge- relies on direct observation 👀 or testing- can help separate unfounded beliefs from real truth- look for facts and scientific evidence directly tested using empirical evidence
What is a paradigm?
Shared set of assumptions and agreed methods that are found within scientific disciplines
What did Kuhn suggest about paradigms in 1962?
Kuhn (1962)- what distinguishes scientific 🧪 and ✖️🧪 disciplines is presence of paradigms
Why may psychology be viewed as a pre-science rather than a science?
Social sciences 🧪 like Psychology lack universal acceptance of paradigms- … why psychology might be viewed as “Pre- science” rather than 🧪
Natural 🧪 e.g. Biology 🧬 and Physics 🧲 have number of core principles e.g. theory of evolution
BUT psychology has too many internal disagreements and conflicting approaches to qualify as 🧪 and … is pre-🧪
What is a paradigm shift?
Kuhn- paradigm is result of a scientific revolution occurs- significant change in dominant unifying theory of scientific discipline occurs and causes paradigm shift
How does a paradigm shift occur?
Paradigm shift occurs in 2 stages:
1) 1 theory remains dominant within scientific discipline- some researchers might question accepted paradigm and present contradictory research- disagrees with main paradigm
Counter evidence starts to accumulate against main paradigm- critics gain popularity and eventually counter evidence becomes hard to ignore- present paradigm overthrown due to emergence of new one-> paradigm shift
2) Established science makes rapid progress and scientific 🧪 revolution occurs due to paradigm shift
What is an example of a paradigm shift?
Work of Copernicus in 16th century:
- Paradigm used to be that ppl thought that 🌏 was at centre of universe
- BUT Copernicus responsible for paradigm shift- found that ☀️ at centre of universe (still not true BUT change in belief)
What is objectivity?
Dealing with facts in way that is unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings or expectations
Explain objectivity and say why it is important
A good researcher is always objective and keeps a “critical distance” from research they are conducting
They ✖️ let their personal opinions or biases interfere/affect outcome of research- findings of research ✖️ be influenced by psychologist that conducted research in 1st place- ⬆️ level of objectivity ⬆️ other researcher’s confidence that results accurate and can be replicated
When is objectivity most likely to be achieved?
Objectivity is basis of empirical method and is ⬆️ likely to be achieved when using lab experiments or observations
