Question

1. People sometimes suggest that psychology cannot be a science because either a) human behavior cannot be predicted with perfect accuracy, or b) must of its subject matter (e.g., thoughts and feelings) cannot be observed directly. Tell us why psychology is a science and why both assumptions are false. What is an "empirical question"? List two empirical and two nonempirical questions about human behavior.

2. What is basic research? What is applied research? Based on your own experience or on things you have already learned about psychology, list three basic research questions and three applied research questions. Be sure to identify specific variables in your examples.

Answer 1

1. Before attempting to answer why the subject of psychology is considered as science, it is highly essential to be familiar with the basic terminology of “Science” and also to know the key components of Science. Let us consider two definitions of science as stated below-

Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.

Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena

From the above two definitions of Science, It can be concluded that the term science is made up of four key elements: 1) the scientific mindset; 2) the scientific method; 3) the knowledge system of science and 4) science as a rhetorical label. The first three are fairly straightforward and the fourth is particularly relevant for this debate.

The scientific mindset involves a set of assumptions about causality and complexity and how an observer can know things about the way the world works. By scientific method we mean methods of data collection and critical analyses of ideas of science. Scientific method includes elements such as systematic observation, measurement and quantification, data gathering, hypothesis testing, controlled experimentation, and theory construction. The knowledge system of science refers to the body of peer reviewed journals, textbooks, and academic courses and domains of inquiry. A final element that is particularly relevant in this context is that the term science has much rhetorical value in our culture. If something falls under the heading “science” then it is justified in receiving respect in the knowledge that it offers.

Now the question is -Is psychology a science? Yes, in the sense that psychology was defined by the application of scientific method(s) and psychologists conduct valuable research and have developed some key insights into human behaviour, cognition, consciousness, and the human condition. Thus being psychology is a scientific subject, the above two assumptions stated are automatically stands rejected and hence are false.

Empirical questions are questions that can be answered by research interpretations and observations.Possible two questions on human behaviour are-

1) Why the attrition rates in software development companies are high as compared to that of manufacturing companies?

2) The impact of gender discrimination in workplaces

Non empirical questions are questions that are answered without data.

2. Basic research is also known as pure or fundamental research and is often described as a research without clear goals or objectives. Basic Research is scientific research aimed to improve scientific theories for improved understanding or prediction of natural or other phenomena. On the other hand an Applied research refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems. This type of research plays an important role in solving everyday problems that often have an impact on life, work, health, and overall well-being.