Psychology as a science

Question 1

Define determinism

Answer 1

Assumption of order, not randomness or chaos. Events have systematic meaningful causes

Question 2

Parsimony

Answer 2

Pragmatic recommendation that we should prefer simplicity over complexity. Explanations shouldn’t include unnecessary factors or processes

Question 3

Testability

Answer 3

Ideas should be(dis)confirmable using available techniques

Question 4

Systematic empiricism

Answer 4

Structured and organised approach to gathering data / observations

Question 5

Benefits of viewing psychology as a science

Answer 5

Enables systematic collection of empirical data that would be hard to obtain or logic or causal observation

Question 6

What are the steps to the research process

Answer 6

1. ) generate a research question
2. ) consult theory
3. ) state hypothesis
4. ) consider ethics
5. ) set up study
6. ) collect data
7. ) analyse data and interpret results
8. ) answer the research question