Features of a Science

• What is the definition of science?

  Making predictions tested through observations
• What is the purpose of testing predictions in science?

  To validate or falsify based on evidence
• What are the features that make something scientific?

  1. Paradigm
  2. Replicability
  3. Objectivity
  4. Falsifiability
  5. Construct theories and test hypotheses
• How do scientists use inductive and deductive methods?

  To construct theories and test hypotheses
• What distinguishes a good theory in science?

  It generates testable hypotheses
• What are the steps in the deductive process?

  1. Observe behaviour
  2. Propose theory
  3. Generate hypothesis
  4. Test hypothesis
  5. Draw conclusions
• What are the steps in the inductive process?

  1. Observe behaviour
  2. Generate hypothesis
  3. Test hypothesis
  4. Draw conclusion
  5. Propose theory
• How does psychology meet the criteria of a science?

  It uses both inductive and deductive methods
• What does falsifiability mean in scientific theories?

  A theory can be shown to be false
• What did Popper argue about positive validations of a theory?

  They do not prove a theory true
• Why is replicability important in scientific research?

  It establishes reliability and validity of findings
• What is the definition of objectivity in research?

  Personal opinions must not affect outcomes
• How does psychology increase objectivity?

  • Double blind data collection
  • Controlled methods
  • Operationalised variables
  • Standardised procedures
  • Peer review
• What is a paradigm according to Kuhn?

  A shared set of assumptions and methods
• What does Kuhn argue about a field of study being a science?

  It requires a common global theory among workers
• What are the characteristics of psychology regarding paradigms?

  • Some shared assumptions, but major differences
  • No shared terminology, distinctive for each approach
  • Some overlap in methods, but largely no commonality
• What is the implication of psychology having many paradigm shifts?

  It may not have a single established paradigm
• What is the general agreement in modern psychology?

  It studies the human mind and behaviour
• Why do some believe psychology has no overall paradigm?

  There is no consensus on a single approach