science

• methodological plurism


  the use of a variety of methods - using methods seen best suited and most practical for producing the fullest possible data to understand the subject being studied
• triangulation


  use of more than one method so you can check results against each other
• components of a science

  1. empirical - count and measure information
  2. testable - scientific knowledge can be tested and retested
  3. theoretical - seeks casual relationships and doesn't seek to simply describe but to explain
  4. cumulative - builds on previous knowledge
  5. objective - personal feelings, prejudices etc have no place in science, it should be unbiased
• what is meant by science

  • organised set of principles that tell us how to produce valid knowledge
  • should be systematically tested and retested and is cumulative (builds on prior knowledge)
  • theoretical - aims to discover cause and effect relationships
  • empirical
  • objective - where the research does not involve opinions or bias or prejudice
• what arguments are there to suggest that science is not s scientific as it claims to be

  • scientists may make assumptions or allow themselves to be influenced by external factors such as commercial companies employing them to prove that their product is effective
  • re-running an experiment until you get the desired results to publish
  • british medical journal - only 5% of published material meets minimum standards for scientific soundness
  • negative evidence concealed
  • little prestige in re-running and checking others work so not done
  • desire promotion
  • funding