The Scientific Process

Question 1

What is science about?

Answer 1

1. Scientific research should be objective - independent of beliefs/opinions,
2. The methods should be empirical. The best way to make sure of this is to carry out an experiment that collects quantitative data and has strictly controlled variables,
3. This means that you should be able to replicate the research, and also establish cause and effect.

Question 2

What is the scientific process?

Answer 2

1. Ask a question - make an observation and ask why it happens.
2. Suggest an answer, or part of an answer, by forming a theory,
3. Make a prediction or hypothesis - a specific testable statement, based on the theory, about what will happen in a test situation,
4. Carry out a test - to provide evidence that will support the hypothesis.

Question 3

What is peer review?

Answer 3

1. A process used to ensure the integrity of published scientific work. Before publication, scientific work is sent to experts in that field so they can assess the quality of the work,
2. This process helps to keep scientists honest; the data has to match the conclusions or it won’t pass peer review,
3. Peer review helps validate conclusions - it means published theories, data and conclusions are more trustworthy. It can’t guarantee that the conclusions are 100% right, more rounds of predicting and testing are needed before they can be taken as ‘fact’,
4. Sometimes mistakes are made and bad science is published. Peer review isn’t perfect, but it’s probably the best way for scientists to self-regulate thier work, and to ensure reliable scientific work is published.

Question 4

What did Popper (1989) argue?

Answer 4

1. Argues that theories are abstract, so it is impossible to prove them right through empirical research,
2. Instead, he claimed that a theory is scientific if it is falsifiable. So, every test of a theory should be an attempt to falsify it,
3. In example, Freud’s personality divisions (id, ego, superego) are unscientific as they are non-falsifiable; they exist in the unconscious mind.

Question 5

What are the two opinions of psychology as a science?

Answer 5

1. Some believe that psychology has a paradigm. It was initially behaviourism, but then it underwent a change to cognitive psychology. This change in principles and practices is known as a paradigm shift,
2. Others argue that psychology might be made up of mini-paradigms, and so psychology is in a state of pre-science.

Question 5

What does Kuhn (1970) argue?

Answer 5

Believed that for something to be a science, it needs to have a paradigm. This has resulted in two different opinions on whether psychology is a science or not.

Question 6

What is a paradigm?

Answer 6

A paradigm is a set of principles, methods and techniques which define a scientific discipline.

Question 7

Provide examples of psychological research that has effected the economy

Answer 7

1. People with untreated mental health issues may need more time off work. Treatment allows people to continue a normal lifestyle. Less time off of work is better for the economy,
2. Research into sleep behaviour can help shift workers, e.g. Czeisler et al (1982).