6. Features of science

Question 1

What does a theory do?

Answer 1

• Orgnaise facts
• provide short list of general principles about observable behaviours
• linked to observations

Question 2

What did Popper believe about theories?

Answer 2

• Theories should be falsifiable and subject to attempts at refutation

Question 3

What does falsifiable mean?

Answer 3

• researcher should be able to show theory incorrect and imagine some occurrence to contradict theory

Question 4

What is the process of induction?

Answer 4

1. Observation
2. Hypothesis
3. Study to test hypothesis
4. Conclusion about theory
5. Theory

Question 5

What is the process of deduction?

Answer 5

1. Observation
2. Theory
3. Hypothesis
4. Study to test hypothesis
5. Draw conclusions about theory

Question 6

What does the scientific method always start with

Answer 6

observations

Question 7

What is inductive reasoning

Answer 7

specific theory to general conclusion

Question 8

What is deductive reasoning

Answer 8

general theory to specific conclusion

Question 9

How do we test a hypothesis?

Answer 9

• Make prediction about study
• Lab: manipulate IV to see effect on DV in absence of EVs to attempt establish C+E

Question 10

What are the 3 principles that make psych a science?

Answer 10

• Empiricism
• Objectivity
  -Replicability

Question 11

What is empirical methods?

Answer 11

• Emphasises importance of data based on DIRECT sensory experience
• cannot gain true knowledge through intuition/ personal beliefs as too subjective

Question 12

What is the mot empirical method in psych and why?

Answer 12

• lab because can establish C+E

Question 13

What does objectivity mean?

Answer 13

• Findings gathered factual and unaffected by personal biases (beliefs, feelings, expectations)

Question 14

How can psychologists increase objectivity?

Answer 14

• Use QN data as less open to interpretation
• SP
• Double-blind techniques
• random sampling / allocation

Question 15

What is replicability

Answer 15

• Ability that study’s findings can be reproduced by other researchers

Question 16

What is the difference between reliability and replicability?

Answer 16

• Reliability: testing same people in same way to test consistency
• Replicability: reproduce by other researchers with different ppt

Question 17

How can replicability be increased?

Answer 17

• Operationalise variables
• Controlled settings
• Use larger/ different sample to test if results applicable beyond group