SCIENTIFIC STATUS Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is science?
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
What are the key features of science according to Eysenck and Keane (1990)?
- Controlled observations
- Objectivity
- Testing theoretical predictions
- Falsifiability
- Paradigm
- Replicability
Why is science considered self-correcting?
Theories are never proven true—new evidence can disprove them. Theories are accepted as true only if they are not falsified.
Why is the scientific method important in psychology?
It is empirical and based on observation and experiment, not belief, which helps prevent unfounded claims.
How does the scientific method help combat prejudice?
Empirical evidence can falsify unsupported harmful beliefs, leading to more socially responsible views.
How did Milgram’s experiment show the importance of science?
It revealed unexpected truths about human behaviour (e.g., people’s capacity for harm), showing the need for scientific study over common sense.
How did scientific research affect views on homosexuality?
It led to the declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness, influencing public perception and reducing discrimination.
Why is empiricism vital in treating mental illness?
Scientific studies help develop effective treatments and prevent harmful or ineffective ones, e.g., through randomized control trials.
How has the method of science evolved over time?
From ancient beliefs (e.g., four humours) to empirical, experimental approaches (e.g., lab studies in cognitive psychology).
Who established psychology as a modern science and how?
Wilhelm Wundt in the late 19th century through the first psychology lab and the use of introspection.
What was Freud’s contribution to psychology?
Used case studies and qualitative data to build theories of behaviour and the mind.
What was John Watson’s role in psychology?
Founded behaviourism—focused on observable behaviour as the only valid scientific data, influenced by Pavlov.
How has psychology become more scientific?
Greater use of lab experiments, peer review, and triangulation has increased objectivity and reliability.
What is a scientific paradigm according to Kuhn (1962)?
A generally accepted theoretical framework guiding research within a discipline.
What are Kuhn’s three stages of science?
- Pre-science: no paradigm
- Normal science: one accepted paradigm
- Revolutionary science: paradigm shift occurs due to contradicting evidence
Why might scientific methods be inappropriate for psychology?
They may oversimplify complex human behaviours and ignore subjective experiences.
What does Miller (1983) say about psychologists using scientific methods?
Claims they are “dressing up,” mimicking science without true scientific integrity—calls psychology a pseudoscience.
What was Popper’s view on scientific objectivity?
Argued true objectivity is impossible; observations are always theory-driven.
Why is objectivity difficult in psychology?
Psychologists are humans studying humans, making complete neutrality unrealistic.
What did Heather (1976) criticize about lab experiments?
They are artificial and don’t reflect real-life interactions.
What is the humanistic approach’s view on science in psychology?
Rejects it—argues science cannot capture the uniqueness of human experience.
What did Maslow (1968) argue about scientific methods?
They are inadequate to fully understand individuals; favours idiographic approaches.
What is phenomenology and who advocated it?
A method focusing on individuals’ conscious experiences; supported by Rogers (1959).
Why is the scientific approach criticized in mental illness treatment?
Laing (1965) argued it overlooks patient suffering and individuality—psychoactive drugs have limited success.
