Features of science

• Empirical eveidence


  -data being collected through direct observation or experiment

  -empirical evidence doesn't rely on argument or belief

  -instead experiments and observation are carried out carefully and reported in detail so they can be repeated by other investigators
• Objectivity


  -researchers should remain value free when investigating and should remain unbiased in their views and beliefs

  -objectivity refers to all elements of bias being reduced and therefore the results of the study should speak for themselves
• Control


  all extraneous variables should be controlled in order to establish cause and effect
• Hypothesis testing


  -statement made before the investigation serving as a prediction and based on theory

  -different types of hypotheses, null and alternative that should be expressed in a way that can be tested- operationalised
• Replication


  -whether a procedure can be repeated by different investigators on a different day and produce similar results

  -if a dramatic discovery is reported but is not found in repeated studies, the discovery will not be accepted

  -if the same results are gained under the same conditions, we can accept the accuracy beyond reasonable doubt

  -this gives us confidence that a theory can be built based on this evidence which is vital in scientific theory
• Predictability


  we should be able to predict future behaviour based on research findings