features of science Flashcards
(19 cards)
paradigms definition
a set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline
paradigm shift definition
the result of a scientific revolution when there is a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline
paradigm and paradigm shift as features of science
Kuhn suggested that what distinguishes scientific disciplines from non-scientific disciplines is a paradigm. He argued that social sciences (incl. psych) lack a universally accepted paradigm and are probably best seen as “pre-science”, distinct from natural sciences (bio, chem etc). This is because NS’s are characterised by having many principles at their core (eg evolution). Psych however has too much internal disagreement and conflicting approaches to qualify as a science. According to Kuhn, progress within an established science occurs when there is a paradigm shift. A handful of researchers question the accepted paradigm and this critique begins to gather support & pace, leading to a revolution.
theory construction definition
the process of developing an explanation for the causes of behaviour by systematically gathering evidence and then organising this into a coherent account (theory)
hypothesis testing definition
a key feature of a theory is that it should only produce statements (hypotheses) which can then be tested. This is so the theory can be falsified
theory construction and hypothesis testing as features of science
A theory is a set of general laws that have the ability to explain particular events/behaviours. TC occurs through gathering evidence via direct observation (EM). A theory proposes a a simple and economical principle which appears to reflect reality. An essential component of a theory is that it can be scientifically tested. Theories should suggest a number of possible hypotheses which can then be tested using systematic objective methods to see if it can be supported or rejected. If it is supported, it will be strengthened. The process of deriving new hypotheses from an existing theory is deduction
falsifiability definition
the principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue (false)
falsifiability as a feature of science
Popper argued that the key criterion of a scientific theory is its falsifiability. Genuine, scientific theories should hold themselves up or hypothesis testing and the possibility of being proven false. He believed that even when a scientific principle had been successfully and repeatedly tested, it wasn’t necessarily true. He drew a clear line between good science and what he called “pseudosciences” (couldn’t be falsified) Theories that survive most attempts to falsify become the strongest. this suggests why most research is accompanied by an alternative null hypothesis
replicability definition
the extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers
replicability as a feature of science
Popper suggested that for a scientific theory to be trusted, the findings from it must be shown to be repeatable across a number of different contexts. Replication is used to assess reliability and validity- by repeating a study over different contexts we ca see the extent to which findings can be generalised. Therefore psychologists should report their investigations with as much precision and detail as possible so other researchers can verify their work
objectivity definition
all sources of personal bias are minimised so as to not distort or influence the research process
the empirical method definition
scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience
objectivity and the empirical method as features of science
scientific researchers must strive to maintain objectivity as part of their investigations- they must keep a critical distance. they must not allow their personal opinions or biases to influence data collected or behaviour of the ppts. controlled lab studies tend to be the most objective. Objectivity is the basis of the empirical method
is psychology falsifiable?
no:
psychodynamic difficult to test so pseudoscientific
humanisitic approach contains subjective topics which are difficult to test
is psychology a science?- form part of AO3 (limitation)
yes:
- brain scans
- lab studies eg behaviourists used well controlled research to break down behaviour so EV’s were removed and cause and effect relationships could be established.
limitation of features of a science
psych can’t be seen as having a shared set of disciplines (paradigm) as all of the approaches differ and propose contradictory explanations for behaviour
evidence for paradigm shifts in psychology
-shift from introspection and freud which were philosophical and focused on internal processes to behaviourism which focuses on cause and effect relationships. this was because behaviourism appeared more scientific ad had strong evidence sp gained support
-there was then another shift to cognitive neuroscience when theories and techniques were developed that included internal mental processes and supported by brain scans
is psych open to hypotheses testing?
-yes, pavlovs dogs and bandoras bobos were under controlled conditions and cause and effect relationship can be established and assessed using stats
is psychology objective?
no- bowlby conducted the interviews himself and knew the signs of affectionless psychopathy to look out for when interviewing the 44 thieves. this left him open to bias as he knew what the expect so evidence for maternal deprivation may be flawed
