Features of science

• Paradigms & Paradigm shifts: A shared set of assumptions and methods. A paradigm shift occurs when there is a scientific revolution.
• Theory construction: A theory is a set of general laws that explain particular events or behaviours. Before you test a theory you create a hypothesis which is a statement(s) on the basis of the theory. You then test the hypothesis using scientific method.
• Falsifiability: The idea that for a piece of research to be considered "scientific" there has to be a way to prove that its wrong. If it cannot be proven wrong then its considered a pseudoscience.
• Replicability: For a theory to be trusted, the findings must be shown o be repeatable across a number of different contexts.
• Objectivity: Researchers must not allow their personal opinions or biases affect their research (e.g. the behaviour of their participants).
• Empirical evidence: Evidence collected based on direct, sensory experience (e.g. through experiments).