SCIENCE
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Scientific knowledge aims to be based on:
EMPIRICAL METHODS –
Information is gained through direct observation/experiment rather
than by reasoned argument/unfounded beliefs.
Scientific research aims to collect facts.
→ this is important because people can make claims about anything,
but the only way we know such things are true is through direct
testing (empirical evidence).
OBJECTIVITY –
Empirical data should be objective (not affected by the expectations
of the researcher).
Systematic collection of measurable data is important to the
scientific method.
To be objective, conditions in which the research is conducted must
be carefully controlled (e.g. in a laboratory).
Experiments allow cause + effect relationships to be investigated.
→ one factor is varied (the IV) + its effect on the DV is observed.
So, the lab experiment is the best means of conducting scientific
research.
REPLICABILITY –
To demonstrate the validity of any observation/experiment, it can be
repeated.
If the outcome is the same this confirms the truth of the original
results (especially if the observations have been made by a different
person).
In order for research to be replicated, researchers should record
their procedures carefully so someone else can repeat them exactly
+ verify the original results.
THEORY CONSTRUCTION –
Facts alone are meaningless.
Explanations/theories must be constructed to make sense of the
facts.
THEORY = a collection of general principles that explain
observations + facts.
Theories can help us understand + predict natural phenomena’s.
HYPOTHESIS TESTING –
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Scientific knowledge aims to be based on:
EMPIRICAL METHODS –
Information is gained through direct observation/experiment rather
than by reasoned argument/unfounded beliefs.
Scientific research aims to collect facts.
→ this is important because people can make claims about anything,
but the only way we know such things are true is through direct
testing (empirical evidence).
OBJECTIVITY –
Empirical data should be objective (not affected by the expectations
of the researcher).
Systematic collection of measurable data is important to the
scientific method.
To be objective, conditions in which the research is conducted must
be carefully controlled (e.g. in a laboratory).
Experiments allow cause + effect relationships to be investigated.
→ one factor is varied (the IV) + its effect on the DV is observed.
So, the lab experiment is the best means of conducting scientific
research.
REPLICABILITY –
To demonstrate the validity of any observation/experiment, it can be
repeated.
If the outcome is the same this confirms the truth of the original
results (especially if the observations have been made by a different
person).
In order for research to be replicated, researchers should record
their procedures carefully so someone else can repeat them exactly
+ verify the original results.
THEORY CONSTRUCTION –
Facts alone are meaningless.
Explanations/theories must be constructed to make sense of the
facts.
THEORY = a collection of general principles that explain
observations + facts.
Theories can help us understand + predict natural phenomena’s.
HYPOTHESIS TESTING –
