psychology as a science Flashcards
what is a paradigm according to kuhn
the most particular view a scientist has. most scientific disciplines have one predominant paradigm that the vast majority of scientists agree to
what is a pre-science
anything with several paradigms. kuhn would argue psychology isnt a science
significance of verification
it may be impossible. hypotheses cannot be truly tested
what is a paradigm shift
- where the discipline changes from an established belief to a new way of thinking due to conflicting evidence
why might psych not be able to have a paradigm shift
it may not be possible due to psychology not having one main agreed way of thinking due to having so many theories. they conflict and disagree, so theres nothing to shift to
why might psych be able to have shifts
for example in cognitive psychology the agreed belief used to be that the mind and brain are seperate entities.
the development of neuroscience created a shift in this belief, most psychologists agree the mind and brain is connected.
how does theory construction occur
it occurs through gathering evidence from direct experience or observations, this is called induction.
what is hypothesis testing
theories should suggest a number of hypotheses, you can set up an experiment
what is deduction
deriving a new hypothesis from an existing hypothesis
what is empirical method referring to
data must be collected through direct observations or experiments. should not be based on arguments or opinions, and have evidence. experiments and observations carried out
whats a study lacking empirical method
freud’s little hans study - freud made some observations however most observations were mady by Hans’s father, and were ancedotal
his observations were interpreted in a subjective matter, and no tangible evidence was collected
whats a study having empirical method
study on little albert - watson showerd little albert’s fear was derived from the classical conditioning and loud bang, prescence of rat
what is replicability
whether a particular method and finding can be repeated in the same way in order to compare results. accuracy ensured if repeated again and again and similar results occur
why might a dramtic discovery not be reported
if it cant be replicated other scientists wont accept it
what is objectivity
researchers having to remain completely value free when studying- should be unbiased. personal and subjective ideas eliminated
