1. Unit 4 Issues and Debates How far psychology is a science.
Describe the debate over what science is and how far psychology fits the definition.
Evaluate whether psychology should be called a science.
Compare the five approaches from units 1 and 2 according to how scientific their content and methods are.

2. What is science?
The systematic study of behaviour based on observation, experiment and measurement.
The debate concerns the extent to which psychology fits this criteria.

3. Task
Complete the table on page 2 of your hand out by defining each of the criterion and providing suitable examples from psychology.

4. 1. Objectivity Q: What is meant by objectivity?
A: Objectivity is when the researcher does not impose their own ideas or beliefs when interpreting the results of their research.

5. 2. Falsifiability Q: What is meant by falsifiability?
A: Falsifiability refers to whether a hypothesis or theory can be tested and whether it is verified or falsified by the evidence collected.

6. 3. Paradigm Q: What is a paradigm?
A: A paradigm is a common set of general laws that are used to explain and predict the world.

7. 4. Empirical Q: What is meant by empirical?
A: Empirical refers to information that has been gained through methods based on direct experience.

8. 5. Causality Q: What is meant by causality?
A: Causality refers to being able to establish a cause and effect relationship showing that the IV had an effect on the DV.

9. Task
Complete the table on page 3 of the hand out. Consider each approach and briefly outline the main methods used by each one. Link this back to the criteria of science and assess how scientific the approach is.

10. Task
Complete a detailed essay plan for the possible exam question on page 4 of the hand out.

11. Essay Plan Introduction Define what is science
Outline what is meant by scientific knowledge

12. Essay plan
Content
Discuss each of the 5 criteria using relevant examples from the 5 different approaches in psychology.
For example, Objectivity. Define the term, brain scans are objective methods (biological approach) because…. Whereas case studies are subjective (psychodynamic approach) because…

13. Essay plan Content continued…..
Evaluate whether psychology is a science by considering previous criteria and:
Dealing with humans not chemicals (emotions and opinions)
Demand characteristics
Why psychology might want to be viewed as a science (credibility, extra funding)

14. Essay plan
Conclusion
Answer depends upon which approach is being considered.
No single paradigm.
Social science.