Is Psychology a Science?

1. Is Psychology a Science?

2. Is Psychology a Science? BATs • Outline the key features of science and the scientific method • Understand the meaning of the terms falsification and paradigms and apply them. • Recognise the limitations to the scientific approach to Psychology and describe alternative approaches in psychology synoptic points – reductionist and determinist

3. What is Science? • A way of finding out about our world • Uncovers facts we can rely on so we can control our world e.g treat schizophrenia, relieve stress, make a nuclear bomb! • If knowledge is not true we will not succeed in controlling what we want to control. • So … we have the Scientific method to ensure we get it right!!

4. The Scientific Method • Empiricism – info gained by direct observation or experiment rather than reasoned argument or unfounded beliefs • Objectivity – Objective observations and measurements. Expectations should not affect what is recorded

5. The Scientific Method • Replicability – Increase validity of research by replication. Even better if research replicated by different scientists and same results obtained. Importance of careful, detailed methods. • Control -Aim to show causal relationships to help them predict and control our world. IV varied and effect on DV observed. ‘Fair test’ – all other possible variables controlled.

6. The Scientific Method • Theory Construction Facts used to construct theories to help us understand and predict natural phenomena around us. A theory is a collection of general principles that explain observations and facts. A good theory is one that can be empirically tested

7. The Scientific Process Induction Observation hypothesis Test Theory

8. The Scientific Process Deduction Observation Theory Hypothesis Test Conclusion e.g. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

9. Hypothetico-deductive model • Karl Popper (1935) • Theories/laws about the world should come first • Used to make expectations/hypotheses which can be FALSIFIED ‘No amount of observations of white swans can allow the inference that all swans are white, but the observation of a single black swan is sufficient to refute that conclusion.’

10. Over to you … 15-20mins max • In groups or individually create a poster or leaflet to outline the major features of Science to include empiricism, objectivity, replicability, control and theory construction. • Or the scientific process to include induction and deduction

11. Induction or Deduction? • Look through the research you have studied on addiction or Schizophrenia • Find an example of Induction and Deduction • Extension – see q6 p277 • 5-10mins

12. The Scientific Approach is Reductionist and Determinist • How is this the case? • Use p277 to help you answer this question • 5-10mins

13. Can Psychology Claim to be a Science? • On a piece of paper draw round your hands On the other hand jot down all the arguments against Psychology being a science On one hand jot down all the arguments for Psychology being a science Include – Kuhn’s views, nomothetic and idiographic approaches e.t.c see page 277

14. Let’s have a debate! So what do we think? • If you have been given number 1 you will need to argue that Psychology can be classed as a Science • Number 2 people have to argue that Psychology should not be classed as a Science Each of you should offer an argument for or against to try to convince the other side your argument is best!!