1. Intro: Science, method, theory

Question 1

One claim that Petocz & Newbery make is that logical analysis of a theory has in principle the
power to
a. Demonstrate the truth contained in the theory
b. Distinguish fact from fiction
c. Show the heuristic value of the theory
d. Preclude further empirical investigation of that theory’s claims

Answer 1

d. Preclude further empirical investigation of that theory’s claims

Question 2

How does a theory become scientific?

Answer 2

When subjected to critical evaluation

Question 3

2 methods of critical evaluation

Answer 3

1. Conceptual/logical analysis: applied first, all way through process
2. Observational/empirical

Question 4

What is test validity

Answer 4

unexamined assumption that variables are quantitative

Question 5

According to Positivism what is science and what is the nature of psychological variables?

Answer 5

Only empirical enquiry needed for science

• quantification sufficient/necessary
• assumes variables are quant and that data can be transformed and analysed as both qual and quant

Question 6

Why don’t Realists agree that you can transform data?

Answer 6

They ask whether the variable is qual or quant. -> those attributes are already in nature and we cant tranform something qualitative into quanitative