Features of Science

FEATURES OF SCIENCE

Empirical Methods - evidence gained through direct observation, rather than rational argument or hearsay.

Objectivity - not affected by personal expectations.

Theory construction - a set of principles to explain facts and enable predictions to be made and tested.

Replicability - repeating a study in order to verify the findings, usually with a different group of participants and a slightly different task.

Hypothesis Testing - conducting research studies to assess the validity of a hypothesis.

Falsifiability (Popper) - seeking to disconfirm null hypothesis in order to demonstrate with some certainty that the alternative may be correct.

Paradigm Shift (Kuhn) - scientific progress occurs through revolutions and social construction rather than fine tuning.