Psychology as a Science

Question 1

How is psychology seen as a science

Answer 1

= manipulates IV, measures DV and control extraneous variables to establish cause and effect

= standardised procedure so others can replicate and get similar results (reliability)

=quantitative data so objective and can be statistically analysed

Question 2

How is psychology not seen as a science

Answer 2

= collects qualitative data which is open to interpretation and cannot establish cause and effect

= field experiments as extraneous variables can cause results so reduces reliability

= unfalsifiable theories - id, ego, superego

Question 3

Positions in psychology as a science debate

Answer 3

1) psychology can be considered as a science as it attempts to control variables and research can be replicated to establish patterns

2) psychology cant be considered truly scientific as there are many extraneous variables that cannot fully be controlled - can’t establish cause and effect

Question 4

Strengths and weaknesses of psychology is a science

Answer 4

PARA 1
+ allows objective, quantitative data to be gathered > less open to researcher bias or researcher error

• however objective measurements lack validity as no in-depth analysis

PARA 2
+quantitative data allows easy comparison between individuals/groups

• quantitative data doesn’t provide holistic view so reductionist measures don’t give valid data

PARA 3
+ allows use of highly controlled lab experiments where IV manipulate and control of variables

• lack ecological validity as not reflect real life natural situation

PARA 4
+ uses quantitative data so statistically analysed

• also uses qualitative data so subjective

PARA 5
= has demand charactersitcs
= limits usefulness and accuracy of results