Features Of A Science Definitions

Question 1

Define empirical method

Answer 1

Researchers use an experiment or direct observation to gather data allowing hypotheses to be tested and data to be used to make predictions about human behaviour

Question 2

Define objectivity

Answer 2

Unbiased holt influenced by personal feelings or opinions or expectations the researcher has. Data has been gathered through the systematic observations and measurements of directly observable behaviour in controlled conditions

Question 3

Define reliability

Answer 3

Procedures are carefully recorded so that other researchers can repeat the experiment or observation with different groups of people. Allowing a test of validity

Question 4

Define validity

Answer 4

Whether the findings are true

Question 5

Define falsifiability

Answer 5

The ability to test a theory in order to find out if it can be proved wrong

Question 6

Define theory construction

Answer 6

Process of developing a theory about the proposed causes of behaviour. A theory should be a logically organised set of propositions that can be used to explain and predict human behaviour

Question 7

Define hypothesis testing

Answer 7

A good theory should be able to generate a testable hypothesis. If this results in data that doesn’t support the theory, then this theory should be modified

Question 8

Define hypothesis

Answer 8

A precise testable statement of what the research predicts will be the outcome of the study

Question 9

Define paradigms

Answer 9

A unified framework of basic assumptions, ways of thinking and methods of study that are shared by members of a group or discipline

Question 10

Define paradigm shifts

Answer 10

This is where there is a shift in the unified framework; it’s a change from one set of shared beliefs to another