Lesson 5 + 6 - Features of Science Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is science?
Science is a systematic and controlled approach to creating knowledge, meaning that it is reliable.
Where does the word ‘science’ come from?
The word ‘science’ comes from the Latin word for ‘Knowledge’.
What is Psychology?
The scientific study of the mind and behaviour.
What is objectivity?
Objectivity is when facts are dealt with in a way that is unaffected by beliefs, opinions, feelings and expectations.
How do researchers ensure that research studies are objective?
A good researcher should keep a “critical distance” from the research they are conducted in order to not let their personal opinions or biases interfere or affect the outcome of the research in order to ensure high objectivity.
Why is a benefit of objectivity?
A high level of objectivity increases the chance that results are accurate and can bee replicated.
When is objectivity more likely to be achieved?
When using laboratory experiments or observations.
What are Empirical Methods?
An empirical method involves the use of objective, quantitative observation in a systematically controlled, replicable situation, in order to test or refine a theory. For example, an experiment.
Why are empirical methods important?
Empirical methods are important so that a theory or claim can be proved right or false by testing it THROUGH the use of objective, quantitative observation in a systematically controlled, replicable situation.
What is replicability?
Replicability is the extent to which findings of research can be repeated in different contexts and circumstances and be consistent over time.
Why is replicability important?
Replicability is important as it helps validate research findings which can be used to inform policies or theories in psychology.
What 4 purposes does replicability also have?
1 guards against scientific fraud
2 researchers can see if research is a “one of fluke” cause by extraneous or confounding variables
3 if research findings can be repeated then findings are reliable
4 replicability can also indicate that research findings are valid
When is replicability at its greatest?
In a laboratory experiment
What is falsifiability?
Popper defined falsifiability as the notion that scientific theories can potentially be disproved by evidence where a hypothesis can be proved wrong. This occurs when contradictory evidence is presented or if other theories fail to support it.
Why is falsifiability important?
Falsifiability is a key feature or science which adds to research’s credibility.
What is a theory?
A theory is a collection of general principles that explain observations and facts. In other words, it is a framework / explanation for describing a phenomenon.
What is theory construction?
Theory construction is the process by which a framework for explaining a phenomenon, a theory, is made.
How are theories constructed?
Theories are constructed via hypothesis and re-testing which is a part of the scientific process. Theories are constructed based on the results of a range of work conducted by many different researchers (not just a single piece of research).
Why is theory construction important?
Theory construction is important because it ensures that theories are testable and falsifiable which is ensured through hypothesis and re-testing.
What is deductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning involves having a theory first, and then devising hypothesis. Researchers then test this theory by using empirical methods such as experiments/observations. Once tested, conclusions are drawn from the data.
What is the Hypothetico-deductive model?
Popper developed this model suggesting that theories/laws should come first and then a hypothesis should be generated and tested to see if the theory/law is correct.
What are the 5 stages of deductive reasoning?
1 observation
2 propose a theory/law
3 create a testable hypothesis
4 conduct a study to test this hypothesis
5 draw conclusions from the test to see if the theory/law is correct
What is inductive reasoning?
This is where a researcher observes instances of a natural phenomenon or behaviour which leads them to come up with a hypothesis. This hypothesis is then tested, and conclusions are drawn from the research. From the conclusions, a theory is generated.
What are the 5 stages of inductive reasoning?
1 observation 2 come up with a testable hypothesis 3 conduct a study to test the hypothesis 4 draw conclusions 5 generate and propose a theory
