1.5 Features Of Science

Question 1

define empirical

Answer 1

a method of gaining knowledge which relies on direct observation or testing, not hearsay or rational argument

Question 2

define falsifiability

Answer 2

the possibility that a statement or hypothesis can be proved wrong

Question 3

define paradigm

Answer 3

‘a shared set of assumptions about the subject matter of a discipline and the methods appropriate to its study’ (Kuhn, 1962)

Question 4

summarise the features of science

Answer 4

empirical methods - evidence gained through direct observation rather than rational argument or hearsay
objectivity - not affected by personal expectations
replicability - repeating a study in order to verify the findings, usually with a different group of participants and slightly different task
theory construction - a set of principles to explain facts and enable predictions to be made and tested
hypothesis testing - conducting research studies to assess the validity of a hypothesis
falsifiability (Popper) - seeking to disconfirm a null hypothesis in order to demonstrate with some certainty that the alternative may be correct
paradigm shift (Kuhn) - scientific progress occurs through revolutions and social construction rather than fine tuning

Question 5

what is the scientific method?

Answer 5

science is a process.
it is a process by which we can obtain information that is valid.
the method used to gain scientific knowledge is the scientific method.

Question 6

explain the deductive model.

hint there are 2 orders in which the model can be designed.

Answer 6

observations –> propose theory –> testable hypothesis –> conduct a study to test the hypothesis –> draw conclusions

observations –> testable hypothesis –> conduct a study to test the hypothesis –> draw conclusions –> propose theory

the deductive model places theory construction at the beginning, after making observations.
In both cases the process is repeated over and over again to refine knowledge.