Lesson 5: Features of science Flashcards
What is science?
A SYSTEMATIC and CONTROLLED approach to creating knowledge that we can rely on to predict and control the world.
What THREE features allow psychology to be classified as a “science”?
1) When the sample is large and representative
2) When pilot studies are conducted
3) Confounding variables have been identified and controlled
What is an empirical method?
It is a method of gaining knowledge which relies on direct observation or testing.
-This can help separate unfounded beliefs with real truth.
What is a paradigm?
A paradigm is a SHARED SET OF ASSUMPTIONS and AGREED METHODS found within scientific disciplines.
Why might psychology be viewed as a PRE-SCIENCE instead of a science?
Social sciences like Psychology lack a UNIVERSAL acceptance of paradigms and that is why psychology might be viewed as a, “Pre- science” rather than a science.
ADDITIONALLY…
Psychology has too many internal disagreements and conflicting approaches to qualify as a science and is a pre-science
According to Kuhn what is meant by a paradigm shift?
A paradigm shift is an important change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline, leading to a SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
What are the TWO stages of a paradigm shift?
Stage one:
Initially, one theory remains dominant within a scientific discipline. However counter evidence might start to accumulate against the main paradigm and gain popularity. This causes the PREVIOUS paradigm to be overthrown due to the emergence of the new one
Stage two:
The new and accepted paradigm is established and SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION occurs due to the paradigm shift.
What is meant by objectivity?
Dealing with facts in a way that is unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings or expectations
Why is it important for a researcher to keep a “critical distance” from the research they are conducting?
To prevent their personal opinions and biases affect the outcome of the research
What is a theory?
An explanation for describing a phenomenon. It may be based on observations about the world OR empirical data derived from hypothesis testing
