Research Methods -> Features Of Science

Question 1

Objectivity:

Answer 1

Dealing with facts in a way that is unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings or expectations.

Question 2

Empirical method:

Answer 2

Involves the use of objective, quantitative observation in a systematically controlled, replicable situation, in order to test or refine a theory.

Question 3

Replicability:

Answer 3

The extent to which the findings of research can be repeated in different contexts and circumstances.

Question 4

Falsifiability

Answer 4

The notion that scientific theories can potentially be disproved by evidence, it is the hallmark of science. It refers to proving a hypothesis wrong. Popper stated that genuine scientific theories should be tested and can also be proven to be false or incorrect (falsifiability). Theories or ideas can be falsified, this occurs when other research or theories have failed to support it or have severely contradicted it, and therefore we might assume that the research or idea is false or incorrect. Popperarguedthatiffalsificationcannotbeachieved,thetheorycannothavederivedfrom atruescientificdiscipline,whichshouldinsteadberegardedasapseudoscience.

Question 5

Theory Construction

Answer 5

A theory is a collection of general principles that explain observations and facts. It may be based on observations about the world or on empirical evidence. Theories are constructed via hypothesis testing and re-testing which is part of the scientific process. Theories are constructed based on the results of a range of work conducted by many different researchers (not just one piece). Scientific theory must be testable and falsifiable

Question 6

Deductive reasoning

Answer 6

This involves firstly having a theory, and then devising a hypothesis. Researchers then test this theory using empirical methods such as experiments/observations. Once the theory has been tested, conclusions are drawn from the data. Popper devised the Hypothetico-deductive model suggesting that theories/laws about the world should come first and then hypothesis should be generated and tested to see if the theory/law is correct.

Question 7

Stages in deductive reasoning;

Answer 7

1. Propose a theory
2. Develop a hypothesis
3. Test this theory
4. Draw conclusions

Question 8

Inductive reasoning

Answer 8

A researcher observes instances of natural phenomenon, or has observed some aspect of behaviour that then leads the researcher to come up with a hypothesis. The hypothesis is then tested, and conclusions are drawn from the research. From the conclusions, a theory is then generated about the topic/area being investigated.

Question 9

Stages in inductive reasoning:

Answer 9

1. Observe facts in the environment
2. Develop a hypothesis
3. Test the hypothesis
4. Draw conclusions
5. Devise a theory based on these conclusions

Question 10

Paradigms

Answer 10

A paradigm is a shared set of assumptions and agreed methods that are found within scientific disciplines. Kuhn suggested that what distinguishes scientific and non-scientific disciplines is the presence of paradigms. Social sciences like Psychology lack a universal acceptance of paradigms and that is why psychology might be viewed as a, Pre- science rather than a science. Natural sciences like Biology and Physics have a number of principles at their core, e.g. the theory of evolution. Psychology however, has too many internal disagreements and conflicting approaches to qualify as a science and is a pre-science.

Question 11

Paradigm shift:

Answer 11

Kuhn stated that a paradigm shift is when, “The result of a scientific revolution occurs. A significant change in the dominant unifying theory of a scientific discipline occurs and causes a paradigm shift.”