RM: Features of a science Flashcards
What are the features of a science?
- Objectivity
- Empirical method
- Falsifiable
- Theory construction
- Paradigms
What is objectivity as a feature of a science?
Not allow personal bias to influence the findings and need great control
What is the empirical method as a feature of a science?
Emphasises importance of data collection based on direct sensory experience
What is falsifiability as a feature of a science?
Should have the ability to be tested and proved wrong, if not they are pseudoscience
What is theory construction?
General laws or principles that have the ability to explain particular events or behaviours
Testing is based on clear hypothesis, tested with scientific methods
What is deduction in theory construction?
Deriving new hypothesis from existing theory
What is a paradigm as a feature of a science?
Shared set of assumptions and methods, social sciences lack universally accepted paradigms
What is a paradigm shift as a feature of a science?
Scientific revolution
