Psychology as a science Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is theory construction?
Theory is a general idea that explains peoples behaviour (based on real life obervation)
Based on theories, we can create a hypothesis- a prediction we can test with a study.
If the test does not support the prediction the theory can be improved/changed
if test does support the prediction, it is good but does not always prove it is right- as future tests need to be taken.
What is falsifiability?
A theory is falsifiable if it can be tested in a way that may prove it wrong.
For something to be scientific it should be falsifiable (you can run a test to show the theory is not true)
If it cannot be proven wrong, then it is not scientific (eg: freuds triparitite id, ego, supergo, cannot be tested in an experiment and cannot be proven wrong- so it is unfalsifiable and unscientific).
What is induction in theory construction?
Start with observation, which leads to a hypothesis and then a theory.
Goes from bottom to up (eg i observe how ppl remember lists better with images, i form a hypothesis, i form a theory on memory off this)
What is deduction in theory construction?
Begins with a theory, which then creates a hypothesis to test.
Top from down…
What is hypothesis testing?
We check if our prediction is true or false by doung exp or study.
In lab exp we change the IV to see how it affects the DV. We try control the extraneous variables so that we can clearly see cause and effect.
What happens if a theory has a hypothesis, and it is tested?
The theory creates a testable and falsifiable hypothesis.
If the hypothesis is supported, it strengthens the theory.
If it’s not supported, the theory is refined and a new hypothesis is created.
This cycle helps improve the theory over time.
What are empirical methods, and how are they important in psychology?
Use direct sensory experience (like observing or measuring) to gather data.
The most empirical method in psychology is the laboratory experiment, which helps establish cause and effect.
Science does not rely on intuition or personal beliefs, as they are too subjective.
Instead, knowledge must come from objective testing and evidence.
What is objectivity in psychology and how can we achieve it?
Objectivity means results are factual and not influenced by personal biases, feelings, or expectations.
Use controlled conditions (like lab experiments) and quantitative methods, which are less open to interpretation.
USE:
Standardised instructions
Double-blind procedures
Random sampling
Random allocation
What is replicaibility and why is it important?
Replicability means repeating a study with different people and getting similar results.
It increases confidence, supports theories, and improves validity by showing findings weren’t just due to chance or bias.
