features of science

Question 1

constructing a theory

Answer 1

• Theory construction enables predictions to be made, can be turned into hypotheses and tested empirically
• The data obtained from using empirical methods can be used to support/reject the original theory
• This knowledge allows theory construction and testing to progress through the scientific cycle of enquiry

the induction phase

Question 2

what is a theory

Answer 2

a set of general laws or principles that have the ability to explain particular events or behaviours

Question 3

constructing a theory - the induction phase

Answer 3

1. Carry out detailed observations in your area of interest
2. Identify any patterns from the data you have collected
3. Suggest a possible explanation for these patterns by generating a theory that will account for the observations

Question 4

constructing a theory - scientific cycle of enquiry

Answer 4

Cycle of enquiry
1. A hypothesis is generated to test an element of a theory
2. Research is carried out in a controlled, objective way that allows for replication
3. Results are analysed and conclusions drawn. The hypothesis is supported or refuted.
4. Knowledge is validated through replication and peer review
5. The theory is supported/modified/refuted – Siffre’s is retested, e.g in a war bunker
6. Further research is undertaken
Known as the deduction phase

Question 5

falsifiability

Answer 5

Popper – key criteria of a scientific theory
Genuine scientific theories should hold themselves up to hypothesis testing and the possibility of being proven false – those that survive attempts to falsify = are the strongest

‘pseudosciences’ = couldn’t be falsified

• ‘All swans are white’ – you can’t say that anything is true. This statement can be proven wrong by seeing just one black swan

Question 6

falsifiable concepts in science

Answer 6

Ainsworth’s strange situation
it was used in multiple studies
Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg - used it to study cultural variations in the patterns of attachment
32 studies using SS, used research from 8 cultures:

Question 7

concepts that aren’t falsifiable

Answer 7

Freud’s unconscious mind

hidden mental processes that we are unaware of, which determine our choices and decisions
= untestable

Question 8

paradigm

Answer 8

Kuhn
A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline
this is what separates sciences and non-sciences

Psychology is a pre-science, as there isn’t a universally accepted paradigm

Psychology has to go through a paradigm shift – a scientific revolution

Question 9

example of paradigms

Answer 9

Biological explanantions of offending behaviour - Lombroso’s Atavistic features

Psychological explanations of offending behaviour - differential association

Question 10

empirical method

Answer 10

Involves observations/experiments based on sensory/physical experiences rather than simply relying on thoughts and beliefs

Only behaviour that can be physically observed should be studied

Question 11

empirical method synoptic example

Answer 11

Pavlov’s dogs experiment
observed the effects of associating a bell with food

Question 12

objectivity

Answer 12

conducting research in an unbiased way - not influenced by personal feelings

Question 13

objectivity synoptic example

Answer 13

Pavlov’s dogs
conducted it in a controlled lab setting

Question 14

subjective synoptic example

Answer 14

Freud bases his theory on people reporting their own thoughts and feelings, interviews, and qualitative data - Little Hans

Question 15

replicability

Answer 15

the ability to repeat a piece of research, falsify it = testing the validity

Controlled, standardised

Question 16

replicable synoptic example

Answer 16

Asch’s study on conformity
had variations to test the concept
Involves: size of the majority influence and task difficulty

Question 17

can’t be replicated synoptic example

Answer 17

Phineas Gage
He was working on a railroad when a tamping iron shot through his cheek, damaging his frontal lobe

= unique case can’t be replicated