Science and Psychology

Question 1

Empiricism

Answer 1

Information is gained through direct observation or experiment, rather than beliefs

Question 2

Objectivity

Answer 2

Scientists strive to be objective, their expectations shouldn’t affect results

Question 3

Replicability

Answer 3

One way to demonstrate validity is to repeat it. Same results means results are reliable. Depends on carefully recorded procedure.

Question 4

Control

Answer 4

Scientists seek to demonstrate causal relationships. Experimental method allows them to come up with laws and theories

Question 5

Induction

Answer 5

Reasoning from particular to general, e.g. Newton’s Laws

Question 6

Deduction

Answer 6

Reasoning from general to specific, starting with theory and looking for instances to confirm it, e.g. Darwin’s theory of evolution

Question 7

Abstract

Answer 7

Summary of study, covers aims/ hypothesis, method/ procedure, results and conclusions

Question 8

Introduction/ Aim

Answer 8

What investigators aim to investigate, review of previous research, why they’re conducting study and their predictions

Question 9

Method

Answer 9

Detailed description of study isn’t enough information for replication, information about sample, the environments, data collection methods, any instructions given and the debrief

Question 10

Results

Answer 10

What researchers found, statistical data, descriptive statistics (tables, averages, graphs), inferential statistics (statistical tests)

Question 11

Discussion

Answer 11

Researchers offer explanations of behaviour as well as implications

Question 12

Appendices

Answer 12

Examples of calculations, test materials, raw data

Question 13

Peer Review

Answer 13

Assessment of academic work by other experts in the same field to ensure research is of high quality