Features of Science

• What is a paradigm in scientific disciplines?

  A paradigm is a set of shared ideas and assumptions within a scientific discipline.
• What is a paradigm shift?

  A paradigm shift is a significant change in central assumptions within a scientific discipline.
• According to Kuhn, what separates scientific disciplines from non-scientific disciplines?

  Kuhn suggests that paradigms separate scientific disciplines from non-scientific disciplines.
• How does Kuhn view paradigm shifts in relation to scientific progress?

  Kuhn believes that paradigm shifts show progress within a science.
• Why is psychology referred to as a pre-science according to the study material?

  Psychology is referred to as a pre-science due to too much disagreement and conflicting approaches.
• What is a theory in scientific terms?

  A theory refers to a set of general principles and laws used to explain specific events or behaviours.
• How does theory construction occur?

  Theory construction occurs through gathering evidence from direct observation during investigations.
• What happens when a hypothesis is supported?

  When a hypothesis is supported, the theory is strengthened.
• What is deduction in the context of theory construction?

  Deduction is the process of deriving new hypotheses from an already existing theory.
• Who modified the Working Memory Model in 2000?

  Baddeley and Hitch modified the Working Memory Model in 2000.
• What does falsifiability mean in scientific theory?

  Falsifiability means a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it allows itself to be proven untrue.
• What is Popper's theory of falsification?

  Popper's theory of falsification states that successful theories that have been tested simply haven't been proven false yet.
• What are pseudosciences?

  Pseudosciences are sciences that can't be proven wrong.
• How are theories evaluated in terms of falsifiability?

  Theories that survive more falsification attempts are seen as the strongest.
• Why do we use null hypotheses in investigations?

  The null hypothesis is used to accompany the alternative hypothesis in investigations.
• Why do researchers avoid using the word 'proves' in investigations?

  Researchers avoid using 'proves' because results may only support the hypothesis.
• What does replicability refer to in scientific research?

  Replicability refers to the extent to which scientific methods and results can be repeated by other researchers.
• How is replicability used in research studies?

  Replicability is used to assess the validity and reliability of results from a research study.
• What does objectivity mean in research?

  Objectivity means minimizing all possible biases from the researcher.
• What is the empirical method?

  The empirical method involves collecting evidence through direct observations and experiences.
• Why must a theory be empirically tested?

  A theory must be empirically tested to be considered scientific.
• What are the supporting arguments for psychology as a science?

  • Scientific methods are used in many research studies, giving them credibility.
  • Findings from studies positively impact society and individuals (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression).
• What are the arguments against psychology as a science?

  • Produces intuitive results that contradict common sense.
  • Experiment interpretations can be subjective.
  • Not all research is generalizable (e.g., case studies).
  • Psychologists often infer behavior rather than directly measure it (e.g., cognitive psychologists inferring from brain scans).