RM: Features of a science

Question 1

What are the features of a science?

Answer 1

• Objectivity
• Empirical method
• Falsifiable
• Theory construction
• Paradigms

Question 2

What is objectivity as a feature of a science?

Answer 2

Not allow personal bias to influence the findings and need great control

Question 3

What is the empirical method as a feature of a science?

Answer 3

Emphasises importance of data collection based on direct sensory experience

Question 4

What is falsifiability as a feature of a science?

Answer 4

Should have the ability to be tested and proved wrong, if not they are pseudoscience

Question 5

What is theory construction?

Answer 5

General laws or principles that have the ability to explain particular events or behaviours

Testing is based on clear hypothesis, tested with scientific methods

Question 6

What is deduction in theory construction?

Answer 6

Deriving new hypothesis from existing theory

Question 7

What is a paradigm as a feature of a science?

Answer 7

Shared set of assumptions and methods, social sciences lack universally accepted paradigms

Question 8

What is a paradigm shift as a feature of a science?

Answer 8

Scientific revolution