Research methods - Paradigms & falsifiability Flashcards
What is a paradigm?
A collective body of evidence, theories and results that define a certain aspect of science. Kuhn (1970) stated that for something to be a science, it had to be based on a paradigm.
What is a paradigm shift?
There are certain points in science history where a new body of evidence has been presented that disrupts the current accepted thinking. This means the theories, methods, techniques and principles are adjusted in what is known as a paradigm shift.
What is an example of a paradigm in psychology?
The behaviourist approach where psychologists could only study the outward behaviours of people rather than their inner working.
What is an example of a paradigm shift?
When the behaviourist approach transitioned into the cognitive approach. With new technology, the structure and function of the brain were more able to be studied. Before, only the behaviours of people could be studied.
What is falsification?
It does not mean that something is false; rather that if it is false, then this can be shown by observation or experimentation.
What was Popper’s famous quote?
Popper famously inferred in his quote that ‘All swans are white’ can be falsified by observing one black swan. No theory in science is ever final, experiments can be repeated many times and that provides evidence that the theory is sound, but we cannot ‘prove’ it beyond reasonable doubt, however, one negative result can falsify that theory.
Why are certain theories in psychology difficult to prove?
Because they are either abstract or are based on unprovable ideas. For example, Freud’s psychodynamic approach to how gender develops is difficult to falsify as it happens in the unconscious mind. Obviously, the unconscious mind is difficult to measure and quantify.
