Research methods- Scientific processes, features of science

Question 1

What is empirical method?

Answer 1

Where info (data from) is gained through direct observation or experimentation/direct testing- rather than unfounded beliefs, assumptions or reasoned argument

Question 2

What is replicability?

Answer 2

The ability to check & verify scientific info e.g. repeating method to assess if similar findings are achieved

Question 3

What are 2 uses of replicability?

Answer 3

1) To draw conclusions procedure and findings must be repeatable
2) Identify flaws/lack of control in design/method if failure to repeat-limited use in theory construction

Question 4

What is the difference between replicability and reliability?

Answer 4

Reliability= Measure consistency of measuring tool
Replicability= Validity test

Question 5

What is objectivity?

Answer 5

Empirical data should be objective= Free from bias- not affected by researcher expectations

Question 6

How do you achieve objectivity?

Answer 6

Systematically collected data & carefully controlled conditions achieve this

Question 7

What is theory construction?

Answer 7

Use recorded facts to construct theories to understand & predict phenomena

Question 8

When are the two times theory construction can occur and what are they called?

Answer 8

1) Beginning= Deduction
2) End= Induation

Question 9

What do the 5 stages of research look like when theory construction is at the end (induation)?

Answer 9

1) Observation
2) Hypothesis
3) Conduct study
4) Conclusions
5) Theory construction

Question 10

What do the 5 stages of research look like when theory construction is at the beginning (Deduction)?

Answer 10

1) Observations
2) Theory construction
3) Hypothesis
4) Conduct study
5) Conclusions

Question 11

What is falsifiability?

Answer 11

Idea that a theory has only been scientifically scrutinised when attempts have been made to prove it’s false- Must be possible to make a falsifiable hypothesis

Question 12

What is hypothesis testing?

Answer 12

A good theory must generate testable hypothesis, failure to find support for a hypothesis means the theory needs modification (Done via process of hypothesis testing)

Question 13

What is a paradigm?

Answer 13

A general theory or law accepted by majority of scientists in that particular field by study
A shared set of assumptions about the subject matter of a discipline & methods appropriate to the study

Question 14

What is a paradigm shift?

Answer 14

Over time evidence accumulates that suggests current paradigm is less adequate than it was & eventually the current paradigm is replaced with a new one