| What is emprical methods? | Information that is gained directly through an experiment or observation rather than through unreasoned beliefs and resoned arguments |
| What is theory construction? | A collection of general principles that explains observations and facts that helps to understand and predict natural phenomena |
| What is replicability? | Used to demonstrate validty, re-testing the experiment to see if the same results will be seen. This means that the study needs to be recorded carefully |
| What is hypothesis testing? | General testable expections. If the predictions are found then the theory is correct |
| What is falsibility? | The idea that the only way to confirm a theory is to disconfirm it, seek to prove it wrong. |
| What is paradigm? | A unified set of assumptions and methods |
| What is a paradigm shift? | Gradually disconfirming a theory and the dominant theory is overthrown |
| What is objectivity? | Data that is unaffected by the expectations of the experimenter |
| For and Agaisnt emperical method. (is psychology a science) | F: Uses scienfitic theories in investigations
A: Too reductionst and deterministic, not looking at complex behaviour |
| For and against objectivity. (is psychology a science) | F: IV manipulates the DV to see the effects, usually very objective
A: Study of humans is complex and can't be done in a science experiment and may require subjectity. High objectivity ---> low ecological validity |
| For and against replicability. (is psychology a science) | F: high levels of control and standardised procedures
A: High levels of control means that it can't be applied to real life (demand characteristics) |
| For and against theory constructions. (is psychology a science) | F: Theory comes through from observations, means there are theories to back them up
A: No unifying framework or theory in psychology |
| For and against falsifiability. (is psychology a science) | F: Theories are constantly being changed and developed, means psychology can develop.
A: Can't always test things ethically or something like the mind and conciousness. Also, if a theory can't be falsified this doesn't mean it's incorrect - there's null theory |
| For and against paradigm. (is psychology a science) | F: Allows for an overarching theory, makes it easier for scientists to agree and make overall assumptions
A: Too many conflicting ideas and internal disagreements |
| For and against paradigm shift. (is psychology a science) | F: Allows you to see the shift in ideas over time
A: Still too many conflicting approaches and evidence to ignore |
