Psychology as a Science Flashcards
What is Psychology as a science about?
Research is scientific if it is:
- objective (results are a matter of fact and not down to interpretation)
- falsifiable (allow predictions to be made which are testable)
- replicable (following standardised procedures which can be repeated). Also involves controls so cause and effect can be established.
BUT does psychological research always need to be done in a scientific way?
How does moray relate to Psychology as a science?
highly standardised procedure involving participants hearing the same two messages (one in each ear). Objective numerical data collected
How does Milgram relate to Psychology as a science?
highly objective data as participants either continued to 450V or not (no room for subjective interpretation)
How does Freud relate to Psychology as a science?
not scientific as based on theories which are not falsifiable. Interpretations of Little Hans’ dreams and phobias were highly subjective
How does Gould (Yerkes) relate to Psychology as a science?
subjectively interpreted the results of the intelligence tests (did not consider the impact of schooling and US cultural knowledge)
What are the strengths of psychological research being scientific?
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
What are the weaknesses of psychological research being scientific?
Scientific research typically involves lab 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
