Lesson 5 Features Of Science, Empirical Methods, Paradigms And Paradigm Shifts And Objectivity Flashcards
What is ‘science’?
Systematic and controlled approach to creating knowledge relied on to predict and control the world
What are scientific methods used in Psychology?
Experiments
Observations
Case studies
Systematic and produce reliable and valid results
When is Psychology a science?
PSCOCLS
PSCOCLS
Pilot Study Confounding variables identified and controlled Operationalisation of key words High element of Control Large Sample
What are empirical methods?
Method of gaining knowledge which relies on direct observations or testing?
What is a benefit of empirical methods?
Helps separate unfounded beliefs from real truth
What is a paradigm?
Shared set of assumptions and agreed methods found within scientific disciplines
Who suggested what distinguishes scientific and non-scientific disciplines?
Kuhn 1962
What did Kuhn 1962 suggest?
Presence of paradigms distinguish scientific and non-scientific disciplines
Why might Psychology be considered a pre-science?
Lacks universal acceptance of paradigms
Who stated what a paradigm shift is?
Kuhn
What is a paradigm shift?
“The result of a scientific revolution occurs.
A significant change in the dominant unifying theory of a scientific discipline occurs and causes a paradigm shift.”
What are the two stages in which a paradigm shift occurs?
Some researchers questions dominant theory
Counter-evidence accumulates against MAIN PARADIGM
Critics gain popularity
Counter-evidence becomes hard to ignore
Present paradigm overthrown due to emergence of new one
An established science makes rapid progress and a scientific revolution occurs due to the paradigm shift
What is objectivity?
Dealing with facts in a way unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings or expectations
What is the basis of the empirical method?
Objectivity
When is objectivity most likely to be achieved?
Lab experiments or observations
