Essay Plan - Psychology as a science - upload to assignments PDF

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Unit 2: Core studies Psychology as a science ‘Discuss the extent to which psychology can be considered a science’ (15) Definition of psychology as a science debate: Is psychology truly a science? Is knowledge gained empirically, with hypotheses and other features of a science?

Argument for psychology being a science; Area/perspective: Developmental

Why: There is empirical data collected through objective observations. Research study to support this point: Bandura’s study into the Social Learning Theory. Link back to the debate: He collected data based on observational evidence, how many times a child imitated the model’s behaviour towards Bobo the doll.

However, Area/perspective: Individual differences

Why: Some of the research lacks Falsifiability.

Research study to support this point: Freud’s theory: including Little Hans lacks this feature of science. Link back to the debate: This supports the argument that Psychology is not a science because Little Hans’ cause for his behaviour can neither be proved or refuted as the unconscious mind is difficult to test .Psychodynamic is also a subjective area of psychology whereas a science is completely objective

Argument for psychology being a science; Area/perspective: : Biological

Why: The scientific methods used are controlled, and conducts and reports research.

Research study to support this point: Blakemore and Cooper’s study into early visual development. Link back to the debate: The Procedure was standardised, each kitten was placed in the horizontal/vertical environment for the same period of time before being anaesthetised and having their neurophysiology examined However, Area/perspective: Applies to all

Why: Psychology research sometimes includes asking questions. Ambiguous and leading questions lack objectivity.

Research study to support this point: In Freud’s study with Little Hans’ he used leading questions which could have affected the child’s response Link back to debate: This adds subjectivity to psychological research which makes psychology seem less scientific to people.

Make a judgement based on your points and evidence: I believe psychology should be considered a science. There is empirical evidence based on data, there are systematic research methods and procedures, includes scientific method, includes rich qualitative data, as well as quantitative data....