Features of Science

Features of Science

Science is a discipline that investigates phenomena that occurs in the real world. The core features of science are objectivity, empiricism, replicability, falsifiability, theory construction, paradigms and paradigm shifts, and using systematic procedures. Let's explore each feature further.

Fig. 1 - Scientific research has distinct features.

Features of Science Psychology: Empiricism

A major feature of science is that it should follow the empirical method.

The empirical method provides a systematic way to collect, analyse, and organise data and aims to differentiate between scientific facts and opinions about phenomena.

The empirical method uses data that must be objective. This means that the data should be based on observable, factual information that isn't influenced by subjectivity. For instance, the researcher's personal opinion, bias, and prejudice should not affect the research outcome.

Objective research that follows the empirical method can indicate that certain research findings have high validity.

Features of Science Psychology: Replicability

Scientific research needs to be replicable. Research findings must be tested repeatedly to identify if they are reliable.

We assess the reliability of research by identifying if we found consistent results when we repeat the same study with different participants, in various settings, and at different times.

Features of Science Psychology: Falsifiability

Karl Popper (1934) proposed the theory of falsifiability. He suggested that to regard research as scientific, theories/hypotheses should be:

• Testable.

• Able to be proven wrong.

• Observable and able to be tested via experimental/observational methods.

• Based on objective facts rather than subjective opinions.

  • For example, research investigating whether strawberry ice cream is tastier than chocolate ice cream can't be falsifiable, as the results will always differ when tested with different participants.

Additionally, Popper argued that research is provisional. He stated that scientific understanding and progression could occur via the theory of falsification.

Why is Scientific Research Important?

Let's summarise why the features of science are important!

The Scientific Method of Research

To ensure that research is scientific, researchers need to:

• Construct a logical theory.

• Define variables that are predicted to be related to the phenomenon or a way of measuring the phenomenon.

• Explain/predict the relationship between the variables.

• Propose a theory that offers testable hypotheses.

After building a theory and developing their proposed hypothesis (testable prediction of what they expect to observe in their research), the researcher should use rigorous scientific methods to test the hypothesis.

This process allows the researcher to identify if their proposed hypothesis should be accepted or rejected based on empirical and objective evidence. This process is known as deduction.

If, after the process, the researcher rejects a hypothesis, they must modify and re-test the theory, hypotheses, and research.

The scientific Method of Research: Paradigms and Paradigm Shifts

Paradigms are a way of looking at something. Psychologists decide which standpoint is the 'best' perspective or approach to take when investigating psychological phenomena.

According to Kuhn, the purpose of a paradigm is to provide researchers with a theoretical framework (the conceptual scheme), which provides guidelines for assumptions, concepts, and methodological techniques they should keep in mind when conducting research.

Throughout the history of psychology, there have been changes in the predominant paradigm. Kuhn's work explained the link between paradigms and the progression of research.

Scientific Research Example

Let's look at the approaches in psychology and whether they accept that research should take a scientific approach.

Features of Psychology as a Science

There are ongoing debates amongst psychologists about whether psychology should be considered a science. This next section will discuss the points for and against psychology being classed as a science.

The arguments that psychology should be considered a science are:

• Some psychologists/scientists argue that psychology should be classed as a science because psychological research typically collects objective, empirical data following the scientific method.

• Similar to scientific research, Psychology has established research quality criteria such as high validity, reliability, objectivity, and credibility. Research has to meet these criteria to be published.

However, some psychologists/scientists argue that psychology is not a science because:

• Some approaches and theories are not directly observable or testable, such as the imbalance and conflict between parts of the psyche (personality.) As these can't be objectively measured, this raises the question of whether this research is scientific.

• Subjects that are regarded as scientific have a typically agreed-upon paradigm. As psychology has multiple paradigms, some argue that psychology should not be considered a science.