Features of Science

Question 1

Paradigms

Answer 1

Distinguishes scientific discipline from non-scientific disciplines is a shared set of assumptions and methods - a paradigm. Psychology lacks a universally accepted paradigm and is a pre-science. Too many conflicting approaches.

Question 2

Paradigm Shift

Answer 2

Progress in an established science occurs when there is a scientific revolution. Handful of researchers begin to question accepted paradigm which gather popularity and pace, and eventually a paradigm shift occurs when too much contradictory evidence to ignore.

Question 3

Pneumonic

Answer 3

The (Theory construction) Horrible (Hypothesis testing) Friends (Falsifiability) Run (Replicability) Over (Objectivity) Elephants (Empirical method)

Question 4

Theory construction and Hypothesis testing

Answer 4

Theory is a set of general laws or principles that have ability to explain particular events or behaviours. Theory construction occurs through gathering evidence via direct observation. Theories need to suggest a number of hypotheses. These need to be tested using systematic and objective methods to determine whether it will be supported or refuted.

Question 5

(T&H) Is a science

Answer 5

Behaviourist ideas have gone through theory construction.

Question 6

(T&H) Is not a science

Answer 6

Humanism has not gone through theory construction as the hypotheses are not falsifiable.

Question 7

Falsifiability

Answer 7

Ability to prove a theory wrong. Even if successfully and repeated tested doesn’t mean true, just not proven wrong yet. Pseudoscience is when theories cannot be falsified. The theories that survive most attempts to falsify are strongest but doesn’t mean true.

Question 8

(F) Is a science

Answer 8

Asch’s study can count how many conformed.

Question 9

(F) Is not a science

Answer 9

Freud’s unconscious is not measurable.

Question 10

Replicability

Answer 10

If to be trusted then must be shown to be reliable across a number of contexts and circumstances. Replication has important role in determining validity of a finding, as we can then see the extent to which findings can be generalised across other contexts. Need to record work with precision and rigour so others can verify using same method accurately.

Question 11

(R) Is a science

Answer 11

SPE replicated by BBC.

Question 12

(R) Is not a science

Answer 12

Case studies are unethical to replicate.

Question 13

Objectivity

Answer 13

Must strive for objectivity in investigations. Not allow personal opinions, biases to discolour data. These methods are associated with greatest level of control. Objectivity is the basis of the empirical method.

Question 14

(O) Is a science

Answer 14

Controlled observations where behavioural categories are well operationalised.

Question 15

(O) Is not a science

Answer 15

Early cognitive approach requires a lot of interpretation.

Question 16

Empirical method

Answer 16

Emphasis importance of data collection based on direct, sensory experience. Saw knowledge as determined only be experience and sensory perception so a theory cannot claim to be scientific unless it has been empirically tested and verified.

Question 17

(E) Is a science

Answer 17

Lab experiments are empirical

Question 18

(E) Is not a science

Answer 18

In Humanism, self-actualisation is different for everyone.