Features of science

Question 1

What is the Acronym for the features of science?

Answer 1

The Prof
THEORY CONSTRUCTION

HYPOTHESIS TESTING (INDUCTIVE & DEDUCTIVE REASONING)

EMPIRICAL METHODS

PARADIGMS & PARADIGM SHIFTS

REPLICABILITY

OBJECTIVITY

FALSIFIABILITY

Question 2

What is theory construction?

Answer 2

Theory construction occurs through gathering evidence by direct observation and experiments.

It should also be possible to make clear and precise predictions on the basis of the theory- this is the role of hypothesis testing.

An essential component of a theory is that is can be scientifically tested- theories should suggest a number of possible hypothesis.

Question 3

What is Hypothesis Testing?

Answer 3

Theories should suggest a number of possible hypothesis that can be tested using systematic and objective methods to determine whether it will be supported or refuted.

Having an operationalised IV and DV means that we can establish cause and effect.

If research fails to support the hypotheses, then this suggests that the theory needs to be modified in some way.

Question 4

What is deduction?

Answer 4

The process of deriving a new hypothesis from an existing theory.
Theory->Hypothesis-> observation->confirmation

Question 5

What is induction?

Answer 5

It aims at developing a theory.
Observation->pattern->tentative->theory

Question 6

What are Empirical Methods?

Answer 6

empirical methods emphasise the importance of data collection based on direct experience.

Early empiricists such as John Locke saw knowledge as determined by experience and perception- thus a theory cannot claim to be scientific unless it has been empirically tested and verified!

Question 7

What is a Paradigm and Paradigm Shifts

Answer 7

Thomas Kuhn (1962) suggested that what distinguishes scientific disciplines from non-scientific disciplines is a shared set of assumptions and methods (a paradigm).

Kuhn suggested that social sciences lack a universally accepted paradigm and are best seen as pre-sciences unlike distinct natural sciences such as biology and physics.

Question 8

What is a paradigm shift?

Answer 8

Kuhn beleives that, a handful of researchers begin to question the accepted paradigms, this critique then gathers popularity and pace- eventually a paradigm shift occurs (scientific revolution)- there is too much contradictory evidence to ignore.

Question 9

What are the steps for a paradigm shift?

Answer 9

Step 1: there is an accepted paradigm

A paradigm is accepted based on the current intellectual and cultural influences at the time.

Step 2: there is a crisis.

A crisis arises when a paradigm can no longer explain phenomena or anomalies found; this causes a scientific revolution.

Step 3: there is a paradigm shift.

The shift occurs when a new paradigm is accepted because it can explain phenomena better and the anomalies.

Question 11

What is an Example of a Paradigm Shift

Answer 11

Example in Psychology: The Cognitive Revolution

The cognitive revolution was a period during the 1950s-1960s when cognitive psychology replaced behaviourism and psychoanalysis as the main approach in psychological fields.

Increasing focus was placed on observable behaviours in conjunction with brain activity and structure, attention turned from behaviour alone, to a person’s mental processes and structures.

Question 12

What is Replicability as a feature of science?

Answer 12

If a scientific theory is to be ‘trusted’ the findings from it must be shown to be repeatable across a number of different contexts and circumstances.

Important in determining validity of a finding and the reliability of the method used in a study.

If the study is repeated over a number of different contexts and circumstances, we can
see the extent to which the findings can be generalised.

Vital that psychologists report their investigation with as much precision and thoroughness as possible so other researchers can verify their work and findings.

Question 13

What is Objectivity

Answer 13

Researchers must not allow their personal opinions or biases to influence/effect the data collect or influence the behaviour of the participants they were studying and must remain at a ‘critical distance’.

Question 14

What is Falsifiability?

Answer 14

Genuine scientific theories should be held up for hypothesis testing and the possibility of being shown to be false.

It is believed that even when a scientific principle had been successfully and repeatedly tested it was not necessarily true- instead it just hasn’t been proven false yet.