research methods: features of science

Question 1

What is empiricism

Answer 1

A method of inquiry based on
Key features of science
Theory construction
Hypothesis testing

Question 2

What is replicability

Answer 2

Whether findings can be repeated on different occasions or with different people
Procedures must be standardised

Question 3

What is the replication rate for psychology

Answer 3

36%

Question 4

What is objectivity

Answer 4

Unbiased research is not influenced by personal opinions or thoughts
Controlled experiments are most objective

Question 5

What is falsifiability

Answer 5

If the theory can be tested to be true or false

Question 6

What is theory construction

Answer 6

Predictions made and tested so that experimental or null hypothesis can be accepted

Question 7

What are the eight parts of theory construction and hypothesis testing

Answer 7

1) Make observation
2) Develop theory
3) Develop testable hypothesis
4) test empirically (collect data)
5) Hypothesis accepted
6) Replicate
7) Hypothesis refuted
8) Modify theory

Question 8

What is a Paradigm

Answer 8

A shared set of principles methods and techniques that make a scientific discipline

Question 9

Two reasons that suggest psychology has a Paradigm

Answer 9

1) Broad agreement over definition of psychology as study of behaviour and mental processes
2) cognitive neuroscience becoming more dominant

Question 10

Two reasons suggesting psychology does not have a Paradigm

Answer 10

1) conflicting approaches with different assumptions example biological based on nature and behaviourist based on nurture
2) Different methods for studying behaviour example behaviourist use animal and lab experiments whilst psychodynamic uses case studies and dream analysis

Question 11

What is a paradigm shift

Answer 11

An important change from one way of thinking to another (scientific revolution)