psychology as a science

Question 1

when is research scientific

Answer 1

if it is objective (results are a
matter of fact and not down
to interpretation), falsifiable (allow
predictions to be made
which are testable), and replicable (following
standardised procedures
which can be repeated). Also involves controls so
cause and effect can be established.

Question 2

studies that are scientific

Answer 2

• Moray - highly standardised procedure
  involving participants hearing the same
  two messages (one in each ear).
  Objective numerical data collected
• Milgram - highly objective data as
  participants either continued to 450V or
  not (no room for subjective interpretation)

Question 3

research that is not scientific

Answer 3

• Freud - not scientific as based on theories
  which are not falsifiable. Interpretations of
  Little Hans’ dreams and phobias were
  highly subjective
• Gould (Yerkes) - subjectively interpreted
  the results of the intelligence tests (did not
  consider the impact of schooling and US
  cultural knowledge)

Question 4

advantages of research being scientific

Answer 4

• Typically involves using experimental
  methods so cause and effect can be
  established (more valid findings)
• Standardised procedures mean that the
  research can be repeated to check if the
  results are consistent and reliable
• Scientific research is less vulnerable to
  researcher bias as objective data is
  collected

Question 5

weaknesses of research being scientific

Answer 5

• Scientific research typically involves laboratory
  experiments which means ecological validity
  may be reduced
• The need for findings to be objective may
  mean that qualitative data is not collected
  which may limit our ability to explain the
  results
• Scientific research often involves isolating the
  impact of a single factor making it more
  reductionist