Past Paper Exam Questions

Question 1

Explain what is meant by replicability. Why is replicability an important feature of science? [5 marks]

Answer 1

• Define replicability and state how this repetition could be carried out by same or different researcher + Only possible if initial study was controlled
  1. Validation of findings - If findings replicate, then validity of findings strengthens
  2. Elimination of bias - Replication can eliminate biases - If different researchers achieve the same findings, it shows results aren’t subject to researcher bias
  3. Generalisability - Replicating studies in different settings or cultures can potentially determine if the findings can be generalised to the wider population, (Ex: Could link to Collectivist and Individualistic Cultures)

Question 2

Explain what is meant by empirical method. Why is empricial method an important feature of science? [5 marks]

Answer 2

• Define empirical method
• State how the goal of science is to uncover the truth about the world and how these two factors allow the empirical method to help uncover the truth about the world
  Relies on objectivity:
• Empirical method ensures conclusions are based on measurable and observable data, as opposed to personal beliefs
• This objectivity is vital for the credibility of conclusions
• Credibility can increase the chances of the conclusion being accepted by others
  Replicability:
• Can validify or disprove hypothese, eliminate biases, (researcher bias), and potentially increase generalisability

Question 3

Explain what is meant by falsifiability. Why is falsifiability an important feature of science? [5 marks]

Answer 3

• Define falsifiability and unfalsifiability
• Ex unfalsifiable theory: Frued’s Psychodynamic approach
• Popper (1935) proposed a hypothetico-deductive model of science
• Argued that no matter how manypositive validations a theory had, it doesn’t prove it is undeniably true
• However, one falsification means a theory is untrue
• Model viewed falsififiablity as being the determining factor on whether something is or isn’t scientific - Making it an important feature of a science

Question 4

Explain why peer review is important in Psychological research? [5 marks]

Include examples in explanation

Answer 4

• Define peer review
• Peer review improves the quality of research - This is because researchers in the same field suggest amendments and improvements to the researcher, (Ex: Could suggest a new way to control an extraneous variable), thus increasing the validity of the findings
• Protects society from incorrect research - Ex: If a study says caffiene makes you sleep better, then people might start to drink caffiene before bed, thinking they will sleep better - However, this is not true - Could cause negative multiplier effect on people’s lives