Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Is Psychology a Science? Describe the debate over what science is and how far psychology fits the definition (AO1). Evaluate whether psychology should.

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "Is Psychology a Science? Describe the debate over what science is and how far psychology fits the definition (AO1). Evaluate whether psychology should."— Presentation transcript:

1 Is Psychology a Science? Describe the debate over what science is and how far psychology fits the definition (AO1). Evaluate whether psychology should be called a ‘science’ (AO2)

2 Explain one factor that would make a study scientific. (2 marks) If more than one factor mark all and credit the best. Two marks can be awarded for a point and elaboration or for a very rich detailed point The data collected will be empirical/eq; This means that it is objective/can be tested/eq; Scientific methodology is designed to support or refute theories/eq; It uses the idea of testing hypotheses/eq; These are derived from the theory underpinning the research/eq; It is possible to use statistical tests on the data. These allow for an objective assessment of how likely the pattern of results gained may be due to chance factors/eq; (2 marks) A study that produces quantitative data that can be analysed is scientific (1 mark) A study that is reductionist will be more scientific as it does not seek to over interpret findings (1 mark) Other suitable factors include falsifiability, ability to control variables

3 Olaf has been told not to use the Psychodynamic Approach. Explain why the Psychodynamic Approach is often seen as unscientific. (4 marks) Psychodynamic approach fails to provide objective evidence so cannot support or refute theories like other approaches/eq; Evidence heavily biased by interpretation such as analysis of symbols meaning it is subjective/eq; A lack of empirical evidence because the concepts are not easily tested/eq; The heavy reliance on case studies makes it difficult to generalise conclusions to the wider population/eq; The use of case studies means results are not replicable, another criterion for scientific status/eq; Popper’s view that a science should test for falsifiability cannot be met by the psychodynamic approach/eq; Places entire emphasis on the collection of qualitative data/eq;

4 You have studied several different approaches to psychology as part of your course. Identify one psychological approach other than the Psychodynamic Approach and explain why it is considered scientific. (4 marks) Max 3 marks if no direct reference to the approach being addressed (this can be by example or by specific point). e.g. Biological approach or Learning approach Uses the scientific method to create and test hypotheses/eq; Uses objective means of collecting quantifiable data/eq; Subjects the data collected to rigorous statistical analysis/eq; Is able to falsify a theory based on the likely probability that results occurred by chance/eq; Uses studies on animals where all conditions can be carefully and closely controlled leaving little opportunity for confounding variables to affect results/eq Produces studies that have been repeated many times demonstrating replicability/eq; Can produce theories that have sufficient objective and reliable evidence to support them that they can be generalised to the wider population/eq; The administration of drugs to stimulate neurotransmitters can be calibrated exactly/eq; Schedules of reinforcement can be applied rigorously and objectively/eq;

5 Psychology A Level is officially a science. However, imagine you are applying for a university course which means you need to explain that your Psychology A Level is counted as a science. Using research evidence from at least two different areas of psychology, assess whether psychology can be called a science. Include in your answer at least one argument you might use to convince an admissions tutor to show that psychology is a science. (12 marks)

6 Mark Scheme – June 2013 http://www.kes.hants.sch.uk/psychology/st udent-resources/past-papers-and-mark- schemeshttp://www.kes.hants.sch.uk/psychology/st udent-resources/past-papers-and-mark- schemes

7 What factors make science a science? These are A01 marks!!

8 SCIENCE VERSUS NONSCIENCE Science Findings found in journals that are peer reviewed. Results can be replicated. Over time we learn more. Evidence based. Non-Science (pseudo science) Findings made available to the general public. Results not able to be replicated. No progress made. Faith based or appeals to belief. 506

9 Old ideas are abandoned when new evidence is found. Does not advocate or market unproven practices or products Original idea is never abandoned no matter what- ever the evidence. Questionable products marketed.

10 The hypothetico-deductive model…. Karl Popper – testing a theory and amending it. The word science describes a procedure in which a theory is formulated and a suggestion drawn from this theory about what might happen in the world. Testing against reality means gathering….? Empirical data

11 The hypothetico-deductive model Amending or agreeing the theory Theory Empirical testing against reality Deriving a hypothesis

12 Falsification When tested, scientific theories must risk being contradicted. The possibility to show they are wrong is called falsification. Nothing can be proved – Popper A science should aim to falsify, not verify.. Does psychology seek to do this?

13 Relating this to psychology…. Think – human behaviour? Is it always the same? In general we don’t aim to falsify a hypothesis.

14 Reductionism vs. Holism Science uses reductionism…. What do I mean by this? In what way? If we are to use the hypothetico-deductive method, we must make a hypothesis both specific and measurable. To do this sometimes we have to reduce to one factor or feature. Holism means looking at something in its entirety, rather than breaking it down. If we break it down, we might miss the bigger picture – what about brain scans?

15 The paradigm Thomas Kuhn suggested that science ‘cycles’ with new sets of beliefs, which replace old ones. These beliefs – or paradigms – are the underpinning assumptions of a scientific approach. An overall theory, because hypotheses are deduced from an overall theory in order to build scientific and firm knowledge.

16 (i) Isolating a single variable and measuring its influence to see what happens Science is concerned with observable behaviour Those behaviours which are observable can be measured, unobservable is difficult to measure e.g. Bandura measured agression Pavlov observed that when food arrived the dog salivated

17 (ii) Scientific ideas are testable Hypothesis drawn up by operationalising variables. Scientific methods ensure variables are measurable. E.g measuring the effects of 5 pints of lager consumed within 20mins on reaction time. E.g. Loftus and Palmer thought a change in a single word would change the speed estimates. Bandura – role-models behaviour and the child’s behaviour after observing

18 (iii) Cause and Effect is established, through control of variables Ensuring the isolation of the manipulated and measured variables. e.g. Rosenhan always used same ‘symptoms’ Loftus and Palmer – controlled the setting, used same questions and video clip

19 (iv) Science looks to falsify a hypothesis rather than confirm it. Contradicting evidence will falsify the hypothesis; if a hypothesis is proved wrong then it is falsified. E.g. Bandura vs. Charlton

20 (v) Evidence from research will support the assumptions For example: Loftus and Palmer – memory is not static but is influenced by numerous factors, it is reconstructive. Bandura showed behaviour is due to the environment. Milgram showed we are influenced by others Gottesman showed genetics affects our behaviour

21 (vi) Having a single paradigm Common set of general laws or principles that are used to predict the world and define the way the research is conducted. Findings support the cognitive paradigm – information flows through a system and is processed along the way.

22 Scientific Areas (A01) Cognitive, Behavioural and Physiological approaches. Lab Experiments, methods with strict controls (EEG, Brain Scanning, Lesioning) Research which is objective Diagnosis which is objective – statistical abnormality Improving/ broader DSM will be more reliable The study is valid – testing what it intends to measure Research produces consistent findings – Reliable Research which is valid and reliable means the body of knowledge built is secure. Higher level of respect if findings are reliable and valid, when used in applications MUST USE EXAMPLES TO ILLUSTRATE THESE ASPECTS, TO SHOW PSYCHOLOGY IS SCIENTIFIC

23 Unscientific (A02) Science aims to develop general laws, psychology focuses on the individual (Case Studies - Genie) Psychology uses methods which focus on the individual, case studies (Hans, Dibs) and approaches like, psychodynamic Research often requires interpretation, subjective (dream Analysis, Hans, Dibs) Highly controlled research may produce inappropriate data. (Surveys – subjects lie, give false data) Research is often difficult to replicate, and to generalise. Dream Analysis; Case Studies, Interviews) Demand characteristics affects validity – less scientific (Bandura, any experiment!!) Scientific data is not always meaningful e.g. dopamine and schizophrenia; enlarged ventricles and schizophrenia. (cause or effect???)

24 An experiment of your choice….


Download ppt "Is Psychology a Science? Describe the debate over what science is and how far psychology fits the definition (AO1). Evaluate whether psychology should."

Similar presentations


Ads by Google