Reflection – Psychology as a Science

[ShennyBabs]

1. What are your thoughts on the video?

The video rakes up strong arguments in favour of recognizing psychology as science. It points to some misconceptions, asserting that, although human behaviour and emotion can become complex and abstract at times, psychology certainly does use rigorous scientific methodology. The discipline employs empirical studies, controlled experiments and statistical analysis to lend the weight to its scientific credentials. The video also stresses the operationalization of abstract concepts such as happiness to constitute measurable and testable hypotheses. Thus, the video is a crisp and informative overview of psychology as a working scientific discipline.

2. Are you surprised that psychology can be classed as “science”?

At first, it might seem counterintuitive because psychology deals with states and behaviour that are subjectively less measurable than phenomena in physics or chemistry, but the video tells us that the scientific nature psychology is a function of methodological orientation. With hypothesis formulation, experimentation and data analysis, psychologists try to explain and predict behaviour in a logical way. The scientific approach renders psychology no different from other sciences despite the peculiarity of the difficulties in examining human behaviour.

3. Are the steps outlined to you familiar?

Yes. The steps outlined are familiar yet techniques are distinct and more advanced than the fundamental scientific method. The main features that make psychology a science are:
• Empirical Evidence: Instead of being based on beliefs or assumptions, psychology is based on evidence obtained through experimentation or direct observation.
• Objectivity: Through avoidance of subjective notions, it minimizes bias. Researchers control variables to ensure reliable results.
• Hypothesis Testing: Psychologists start with predictions derived theoretically and test them using null and alternative hypotheses.
• Replication: In order to verify accuracy and reliability, research must be replicable with the same outcomes.
• Predictably: By employing patterns and known relationships, the ultimate aim is to be able to predict future behaviour.
These principles distinguish psychology as a systematic, scientific discipline.

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