Y13 RESEARCH METHODS - features of a science

Question 1

what is a paradigm?

Answer 1

A set of shared ideas and agreed methods within a scientific discipline.

Question 2

what are the key features of a science?

Answer 2

1.There must be a definable subject matter or PARADIGM.

2.There must be theories constructed from hypotheses that have been tested.

3.Concepts must be falsifiable- the possibility of being proved untrue (specific enough to test!)

4.Replicability- the extent to which procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers.

5.Objectivity (personal bias minimised) and the empirical method- scientific approach based on gathering evidence through direct observation and experience.

Question 3

what is meant by a paradigm shift?

Answer 3

The result of a scientific revolution: a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline

Question 4

discuss theory construction?

Answer 4

A set of principles to explain facts and unable predictions to be made and tested

Question 5

discuss hypothesis testing?

Answer 5

Conducting research studies to assess the validity of the hypothesis

Question 6

what did Khun (1970) suggest?

Answer 6

suggests that there is no one global unifying theory in psychology

psychology uses several conflicting aspects in their theoretical approaches.

Question 7

Karl Popper (1935)

Answer 7

theories about the world should come first, and are used to generate hypotheses that are later altered by experiments

Question 8

theory construction: deduction

Answer 8

theory, hypothesis, observation, confirmation

Question 9

theory construction: induction

Answer 9

observation, pattern, tentative hypothesis, theory