1. Learning Objectives
ALL will understand some strengths and limitations of psychology adopting a scientific approach
MOST will be able to analyse strengths and limitations of psychology adopting a scientific approach and link them to a topic area from PSYB 1, 2 or 3
SOME will evaluate strengths and limitations of psychology adopting a scientific approach and form their own reasoned conclusion regarding whether / not it should
DO NOW: Outline what is meant by hypothesis testing and explain the role of hypothesis testing in scientific research. (4 marks)

2. Starter
Outline what is meant by hypothesis testing and explain the role of hypothesis testing in scientific research. (4 marks)
[AO3 = 4]
Up to 2 marks for definition/outline of what is meant by hypothesis testing, eg a hypothesis is a testable, predictive statement/proposition specifying the relationships between events or variables.
Two further marks for explanation of the role of hypothesis testing in research, eg theories need to be tested by empirical studies, hypothesis testing allows researchers to refute or support a theory, the degree of support determines confidence in a theory. Credit references to the null hypothesis and falsification of a theory
NB falsification = if something is false, then some observation or experiment will produce a reproducible result that is in conflict with it. I.e. It can be shown to be wrong

3. Main Activity: Carousel
You are completing the information for each aspect of the evaluation of Psychology adopting a Scientific approach
For each aspect you should consider if there is an example from any of the course which this information relates to
You would not be required to link every aspect to a topic this is more about you practising thinking in a synoptic way!

4. Plenary
ALL will understand some strengths and limitations of psychology adopting a scientific approach
MOST will be able to analyse strengths and limitations of psychology adopting a scientific approach and link them to a topic area from PSYB 1, 2 or 3
SOME will evaluate strengths and limitations of psychology adopting a scientific approach and form their own reasoned conclusion regarding whether / not it should
Write down on your post-it note whether you have met the ‘all’, ‘most’ or ‘some’ objective and most importantly tell me what you have learnt today so I can be confident you have met it!

5. Check out the essentials doc on the website
Homework Question
Identify and discuss reasons why psychology should adopt the scientific approach. (12 marks) (JUNE 2011)
In terms of importance of referring back to the question this is really up there!
If you simply write down what’s in your notes you will not be answering the question, at all
It’s about considering what would be good for psychology adopting a scientific approach and what would be bad about psychology adopting a scientific approach and then arguing your case

6. Homework essay: Mark Scheme
[AO1 = 4 marks, AO2 = 8 marks]
Candidates can respond to this question in a variety of ways. Many candidates will identify as reasons (AO1) the features of science, and gain AO2 credit for discussion of these as reasons psychology should be a science. Others will respond to the question more directly identifying as AO1 the material listed in the mark scheme as AO2 and gain AO2 credit for discussion of these.
AO1 Up to four marks for knowledge and understanding of features of the scientific approach; theory construction; hypothesis testing; general laws; empirical methods of testing; replicability; definable subject matter; paradigm. Credit description of relevant evidence, 1 mark.
AO2 Up to 8 marks for arguments why psychology should /should not adopt the scientific approach. Arguments for greater understanding and knowledge at a theoretical level; objective and empirical support for a theory; allows for progress within the discipline; adds to creditability/scientific status; practical applications to behaviour; prediction and control of behaviour; replication. Possible counter arguments may address the difficulty of applying a scientific approach to the study of humans and problems such as the control of variables; demand characteristics; ethical issues including dehumanization; constraints and mechanistic view of humans; artificiality of environments; reductionism; determinism; unobservable subject matter and subjective private experience.
Credit use of relevant evidence
‘One of the key mistakes we see is students writing about whether or not psychology is a science in response to any question about this debate’