N.F. Features of Science

Question 1

define objectivity

Answer 1

All sources of personal bias are minimised so as not to distort or influence the research process

Question 2

define empirical method

Answer 2

Scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience

Question 3

define replicability

Answer 3

the extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers.

Question 4

define falsifiability

Answer 4

the principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue.

Question 5

define theory construction

Answer 5

the process of developing an explanation for the causes of behaviour by systematically gathering evidence and then organising this into a coherent account (theory)

Question 6

define hypothesis testing

Answer 6

A key feature of a theory is that it should produce statements (hypotheses) which can then be tested. Only in this way can a theory be falsified.

Question 7

define paradigm

Answer 7

A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline.

Question 8

define paradigm shift

Answer 8

The result of a scientific revolution when there is a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline

Question 9

Give examples in the course of where there is evidence of hypothesis testing and theory construction

Answer 9

• Gender
• Memory - WMM
• Psychopathology

All have theories and hypotheses

Question 10

Give examples in the course of where there is not evidence of hypothesis testing and theory construction

Answer 10

Humanistic approach - has theories (i.e. maslow’s hierarchy) but no hypotheses - because they don’t test because they believe everyone’s experience is subjective and don’t believe in general laws.

Question 11

Give strengths of hypothesis testing and theory construction

Answer 11

• helps class psychology as a science
• helps transform the information gathered into something useful - e.g. coming up with treatments.

Question 12

Give examples in the course of where there is evidence of empirical evidence

Answer 12

lab experiments and controlled observations:
- OCD
- Phobias
- Gender

Question 13

Give examples in the course of where there is not evidence of empirical evidence

Answer 13

• Psychodynamic approach - non-empirical cases studies - little Hans
• Humanistic approach - doesnt see the value in testing as it doesnt use generalised laws.

Question 14

Give strengths of empirical evidence as a feature of science

Answer 14

• high quality support for theories

Question 15

Give weaknesses for empirical evidence as a feature of science

Answer 15

• Not always necessary - e.g. a questionnaire could give aluable detailed qualitative data.
• difficult to use when investigating certain behaviours

Question 16

Give examples in the course of where there is evidence of replicability

Answer 16

• Memory - murdock serial position curve
• Social learning theory - Bobo doll

Question 17

Give examples in the course of where there is not evidence of replicability

Answer 17

• memory - case studies - HM
• psychodynamic approach - case studies - little hans
• social influence - conformity - Zimbardo - due to ethical reasons

Question 18

Give strengths of replicability as a feature of science

Answer 18

• can have reliable research support for theories

Question 19

Give examples in the course of where there is evidence of falsifiability

Answer 19

• Memory - MSM is falsifiable because of KF who had a motorcycle accident which resulted in problems with his STM for verbal information but not visual or acoustic coding - suggests that STM is more complex than 1 store. This is further supported by the WMM

Question 20

Give examples in the course of where there is not evidence of falsifiability

Answer 20

• Psychodynamic approach - Freud’s notion of the mind as 3 parts, id, ego, superego is unfalsifiable - it cannot be tested to be proven or disproved. The same is the case for his iceberg analogy

Question 21

Give strengths for falsifiabilty

Answer 21

• can show if a concept is correct and the idea exists. If it is unfalsifiable it cannot be proven right or wrong which casts doubt on psychology’s reputation as a science

Question 22

Give examples in the course of where there is evidence of objectivity

Answer 22

• memory - Murdock, Bahrick
• Diagnositic criteria for SZ, depression, addiction

Question 23

Give examples in the course of where there is not evidence of objectivity

Answer 23

• psychodynamic approach - case study - little hans
• Gender - BEMs sex role inventory - self report method

Question 24

give strengths of objectivity as a feature of science

Answer 24

• helps psychology’s reputation as a science

Question 25

Give weaknesses for objectivity as a feature of science

Answer 25

• ignores individual experience and opinion which is of value

Question 26

Give examples in the course of where there is evidence of paradigm and paradigm shift

Answer 26

• pre-science - a variety of theories attempt to explain a phenomenon but with no agreement
• normal science Paradigm emerges that has generally been accepted as core assumptions - e.g. the behaviourist approach. HOWEVER this is countered due to research e.g. cognitive approach
• revolutionary science