Research Methods Y2 - Features of Science Flashcards
What is a paradigm in science?
A paradigm is a set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline.
What is a paradigm shift?
A paradigm shift is the result of a scientific revolution in which the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline changes.
What is objectivity in scientific research?
Objectivity is when all sources of personal bias are minimized so as not to distort or influence the research process.
What is the empirical method?
The empirical method refers to scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation or experience.
What is replicability?
Replicability is the extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers.
What is falsifiability?
Falsifiability is the principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue (false).
According to Thomas Kuhn, what distinguishes scientific disciplines from non-scientific disciplines?
Thomas Kuhn suggested that scientific disciplines are distinguished by a shared set of assumptions and methods—a paradigm. He argued that natural sciences, like biology or physics, have unifying paradigms (e.g., the theory of evolution or the standard model of particle physics), while social sciences like psychology lack a universally accepted paradigm.
What is an example of a paradigm shift?
An example of a paradigm shift is the change from a Newtonian paradigm in physics to Einstein’s theory of relativity.
What is a theory in science?
A theory is a set of general rules or principles that have the ability to explain particular events or behaviours. For example, Miller’s Law states that short-term memory has a limited capacity of around 7 items.
What is the role of hypothesis testing in theory construction?
Hypothesis testing involves making predictions based on a theory and conducting experiments to determine whether the predictions are supported or refuted. If supported, the theory is strengthened; if refuted, the theory may need revision. For example, a hypothesis derived from Miller’s Law might predict that people remember 7-digit numbers more effectively than 14-digit numbers.
What is the hypothetico-deductive method?
The hypothetico-deductive method involves deriving hypotheses from a theory and testing them to determine whether the theory is supported or refuted.
What did Karl Popper argue about scientific theories?
Karl Popper argued that the key criterion of a scientific theory is its falsifiability, meaning it should be possible to prove the theory false through hypothesis testing. He believed that scientific theories should hold themselves up for testing and the possibility of being proven false.
Why is replicability important in scientific research?
Replicability is important because it allows findings to be verified by other researchers, ensuring the reliability and validity of the theory. Replication involves repeating studies in different contexts and circumstances to determine if the findings are consistent and generalizable.
What is the role of objectivity in the empirical method?
Objectivity ensures that researchers maintain a critical distance and do not allow personal opinions or biases to influence the research process. This is essential for the empirical method, which emphasizes data collection based on direct, sensory observation.
What are examples of empirical methods in psychology?
Examples of empirical methods in psychology include the experimental method and the observational method.
