Is Psychology A Science?

Front 1

What is a Science?

Back 1

A science is objective.
Ability to collect evidence for it using a scientific method.

Hint 1

2 facts
1. Based on fact

Front 2

2 Types of Science

Back 2

Hard Science - eg. Physics, Chemistry, etc.
Soft Science - eg. Psychology, Sociology, etc.
HOWEVER SOFT SCIENCES CAN STILL USE SCIENTIFIC METHODS

Front 3

Goals of Science

Back 3

MALIM :-
1. Prediction (Scientists make predictions based on theories)
2. Understanding (Conduct experiments to gain a further understanding into the topic)
3. Control (Ability to control experiments and control how this new knowledge can enable them to control things in the future now that they know the outcomes)

Front 4

6 Key Features of a Science

Back 4

1. Controlled Observation
2. Objectivity
3. Testing theoretical predictions
4. Falsifiability
5. Replicability
6. Paradigm

Front 5

Controlled Observation

Back 5

Experimental method is the most scientific.
Controlling the IV and observing the effects this has on the DV.
HOWEVER THIS METHOD LACKS ECOLOGICAL VALIDITY. (ONCE A PARTICIPANT KNOWS THEY'RE IN AN EXPERIMENT THEN THEY BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY)

Front 6

Objectivity

Back 6

Free from bias results.
Facts need to be obtained without being affected by feelings or emotions.
"Facts need to speak for themselves even if they are different from what the investigator hoped"

Front 7

Testing theoretial predictions

Back 7

Theories are used in two ways:
1. Induction - Making theories based on observations that have already been made.
EG. DARWIN MADE YEARS OF OBSERVATIONS AND LATER CAME UO WITH THE EVOLUTIONARY THEORY.
2. Deduction - Using the theory to generate hypotheses that can be tested.

Weaker theories are replaced by stronger ones that are more consistent with data.

Front 8

Falsifiability

Back 8

Theories with the ability to prove them wrong.
Separates science from religious and political sciences.
EG. DOES GOD EXIST? - CANNOT BE PROVED WRONG.
Psychology is a mix:
Falsifiable: Biological & Behavioural.
Non-falsifiable: Psychodynamic & Evolutionary.

Front 9

Replicability

Back 9

Ability to conduct experiments more on several occassions and obtain consistent results.
Usually experiments that are highly controlled are most replicable.
EG. AINSWORTH & BELL - STRANGE SITUATION. CONTROLLED WHEN THE MOTHER LEFT, STRANGER ENTERED ETC.

Front 10

Paradigm

Back 10

Basic fundamental belief.
EG. BIOLOGY - EVOLUTIONARY THEORY.
"A general theoretical orientation that is accepted by a majority of the workers in that field of study."
But does Psychology have a paradigm?

Front 11

Is Psychology a Science? (4)

Back 11

- Uses scientific methods (controlled observations) to obtain replicable consistent results.
- Replicable.
- Falsifiable.
- Some theories have been successful in predicting, understanding and controlling human behaviour.

Front 12

How is Psychology not a Science?

Back 12

- Psychology has no paradigm.
- Some data is not objective. (Investigator bias)
- Lack of external validity. (CAN IT BE GENERALISED?)
- Behaviour isn't simple enough to be controlled by one variable.

Front 13

Should Psychology be a Science?

Back 13

- Only performing lab experiments is a reductionist approach.
- Conclusions aren't objective as its up to the investigator to come up with them. DESPITE HOW OBJECTIVE THE DATA IS.
- Do we need to be able to predict and control behaviour?