Psychology is a science

• Psychology is a science:

  • Controlled/standardised (kept the same for all p‘) replicable, BUT lacks ecological validity.
• Psychology is a science:

  • Demonstrates cause + effect through lab exp, IV is manipulated and other variables controlled so the effect of only the IV on the DV can be measured BUT is overly reductionist.
• Psychology is a science:

  • Quantitative (numerical data). Easily analysed and compared to draw conclusions BUT lacks insight into the how and why of behaviour.
• Psychology is a science:

  • Gathers objective data (unbiased and not open to interpretation). Reliable BUT often unrepresentative of participants' responses.
• Psychology is a science:

  • Gathers empirical data (through observation).
  • Data can be verified by others BUT lacks insight into mental processes underlying behaviour.
• Psychology is not a science:

  • Doesn't clearly demonstrate cause and effect as it uses case studies.
  • Confounding variables may explain results BUT gives a more holistic explanation of behaviour (considers how factors interact to produce behaviour).
• Psychology isn’t a science:

  • Qualitative (descriptive data).
  • Hard to analyse and compare as participants use language differently BUT gives insight into the how and why of behaviour.
• Psychology isn’t a science:

  • Gathers unempirical data (through self-report, projective tests, dream analysis).
  • Data cannot be verified by others BUT gives insight into mental processes underlying behaviour.
• Psychology isnt a science:

  • Uncontrolled.
  • Not replicable BUT more ecologically valid.