PSYCHOLOGY AS A SCIENCE

Debate on whether psychology should be a science

PSYCHOLOGY CAN BE A SCIENCE- can objectively test __ __ __ using experiments and scientific equipment.

cause ad effect

PSYCHOLOGY CANNOT BE A SCIENCE- studies variables that are __ __ to manipulate or control, can only do ___ and relies on subjective observations and self report.

too complex, quasi-experiments

Science: A method of discovering __ __ about the causes and effects of reality

objective truths

Scientists would argue that science is the most __ and __ way to understand reality.

Valid, reliable

FEATURE-Cause and effect: How one __ __ __

variable influences another

FEATURE-Replicable:__ _ __ and consistently collecting the same result

repeating a study

FEATURE-Hypothesis testing: predicting __ __ between variables and gather results to accept of reject the prediction.

testable relationships

FEATURE-Manipulation of variables: intervening and changing the __ of a group of participants

experience

FEATURE-Control and standardisation: keeping all __ __ the same

extraneous variables

FEATURE-Quantifiable measurements: __ data

numerical

FEATURE-Falsifiable: a theory could be potentially be __ and __ by evidence

refuted, disproved

FEATURE-Induction: theorising __ __ __ based on specific evidence

broad general principles

FEATURE-Deduction: predicting __ __ based on broad theories and principles

specific evidence

FEATURE-Objective: __, unaffected by opinion or interpretation

factual

Falsifiable isn’t about whether it is actually true or false, it is about:

whether it is possible to test whether it is true or false

SCIENTIFIC STRENGTH(2):

lack of bias, practical cause and effect

SCIENTIFIC WEAKNESS(2):

reductionist, unrealistic environment

NON-SCIENTIFIC STRENGTH(2):

realistic environments, holism strengths

NON-SCIENTIFIC WEAKNESS(2):

biased, lack of practical cause and effect