Research Methods- Features of science Flashcards
Paradigm -
A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline.
Paradigm shift -
The result of a scientific revolution: a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline.
Objectivity - When all sources of personal bias are minimised so as not to distort or influence the research process.
Replicability -
The extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers.
The empirical method -
Scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience.
What is a paradigm according to Thomas Kuhn?
A paradigm is a shared set of assumptions and methods that distinguish scientific disciplines from non-scientific disciplines. It provides a framework for understanding and conducting research within a field.
Why does Kuhn describe psychology as a “pre-science”?
Kuhn describes psychology as a “pre-science” because it lacks a universally accepted paradigm. Unlike natural sciences (e.g., biology, physics), psychology has too much internal disagreement and conflicting approaches, preventing it from being a unified scientific discipline.
Falsifiability -
The principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue (false).
How does hypothesis testing relate to theory construction?
Hypothesis testing involves deriving predictions from a theory and testing them using systematic and objective methods. If the hypothesis is supported, the theory is strengthened; if refuted, the theory may need revision. This process is known as deduction.
What is a paradigm shift?
A paradigm shift occurs when a scientific revolution leads to the replacement of an existing paradigm with a new one. This happens when contradictory evidence accumulates, challenging the current paradigm, as seen in the shift from Newtonian physics to Einstein’s theory of relativity.
What is a scientific theory?
A scientific theory is a set of general laws or principles that explain particular events or behaviors. It is constructed through gathering evidence via direct observation and testing.
What is falsifiability according to Karl Popper?
Falsifiability is the criterion that a scientific theory must be testable and open to being proven false. Popper argued that genuine scientific theories should hold themselves up to hypothesis testing and the possibility of being disproven.
Why does Popper emphasize falsifiability in science?
Popper emphasizes falsifiability to distinguish good science, where theories are constantly challenged, from pseudosciences, which cannot be falsified. Theories that survive repeated attempts at falsification become the strongest, not because they are true, but because they have not yet been proven false.
What is replicability in scientific research?
Replicability refers to the ability to repeat a study and obtain consistent results across different contexts and circumstances. It is essential for determining the validity and reliability of scientific findings.
Why is replicability important in psychology?
Replicability ensures that findings are reliable and valid, allowing researchers to generalize results. It also helps verify the accuracy of previous studies and strengthens confidence in scientific theories.
What is objectivity in scientific research?
Objectivity refers to maintaining a critical distance during research, ensuring that personal opinions or biases do not influence data collection or participant behavior. It is a key principle of the empirical method.
What is the empirical method?
The empirical method emphasizes data collection based on direct, sensory experience. It involves testing theories through observation and experimentation, as seen in the experimental and observational methods in psychology.
How does the empirical method relate to scientific theories?
A theory cannot claim to be scientific unless it has been empirically tested and verified. The empirical method ensures that theories are grounded in observable and measurable evidence.
What role do lab experiments play in maintaining objectivity?
Lab experiments are associated with high levels of control, making them one of the most objective methods in psychology. They minimize the influence of biases and ensure that findings are based on systematic and rigorous testing.
What is the hypothetico-deductive method?
The hypothetico-deductive method involves deriving hypotheses from a theory and testing them empirically. It is a key process in scientific research, ensuring that theories are continually challenged and refined.
Why do psychologists avoid saying “this proves” in favor of “this supports”?
Psychologists avoid saying “this proves” because scientific theories are never considered definitively true. Instead, they use phrases like “this supports” to reflect that theories are continually tested and may be falsified in the future.
