Lecture 1

Question 1

In Popper’s View on Science, what does a scientific activity begin with?

Answer 1

A problem that guides empirical observations

Question 2

In Popper’s View on Science, what’s the role of empirical observation?

Answer 2

It is to test and potentially falsify theories

Question 3

What does the principle of falsifiability state?

Answer 3

For a theory to be scientific, it must specify observations that could potentially refute it

Question 4

According to Kuhn, what is a paradigm?

Answer 4

It is a general framework within which scientists conduct research (basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a scientific community)

Question 5

How does Kuhn’s view of scientific progress differs from Popper’s?

Answer 5

It involves shifts between preparadigmatic, paradigmatic, and revolutionary stages.

Question 6

In Popper’s framework, how does scientific progress occur?

Answer 6

It occurs through the continuous refinement and improvement of theories based on empirical evidence and the falsifiability criterion

Question 7

According to Popper, what are theories evaluated based on?

Answer 7

Theories are evaluated based on their ability to generate predictions, and those making correct predictions become stronger. Theories making erroneous predictions are subject to revision or abandonment

Question 8

What’s the the fundamental distinction between Popper and Kuhn in how scientific activity is guided?

Answer 8

Popper emphasizes problems, Kuhn focuses on paradigms. Popper’s scientific activity involves creative problem-solving, whereas Kuhn’s involves puzzle-solving

Question 9

What’s Feyerabend’s Perspective on science?

Answer 9

1. It is misleading to characterize science or scientific method in any particular way
2. “Science is what scientists do”

Question 10

In Psychology as a Science, scientific psychology assumes…

Answer 10

Determinism, either physical or psychical (while studying humans)

Question 11

Non-determinists assume human behavior is…

Answer 11

Freely chosen and not amenable to traditional scientific analysis

Question 12

What are some persistent questions in psychology?

Answer 12

Human freedom, the nature of human nature, the mind-body relationship, heredity vs. experience, mechanistic vs. vitalistic principles, rational vs. irrational behavior, the relationship between humans and nonhuman animals, the origin of human knowledge, the concept of self, and the nature of truth