Paradigm Shifts in Science and Psychology

Questions and Answers

What term does Thomas Kuhn use to describe a common set of assumptions or beliefs within a scientific community?

Theory

Paradigm (correct)

Methodology

Hypothesis

What is termed as 'normal science' in the context of Kuhn's theory?

Scientific revolution

The process of hypothesis testing

Exploring implications of an accepted paradigm (correct)

Collecting random facts

Which of the following stages is characterized by a collection of rival camps or schools?

Revolutionary stage

Paradigmatic stage

Pre-paradigmatic stage (correct)

Normal science stage

According to Kuhn, what primarily drives the change in scientific paradigms?

Persistent anomalies in the accepted paradigm Signup and view all the answers

What is a central argument against the scientific study of psychology according to Immanuel Kant?

The mind cannot be objectively employed to study itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of psychology in terms of paradigms according to the content?

Psychology is in a pre-paradigmatic state with various camps Signup and view all the answers

Which belief is shared by existential psychologists regarding human behavior?

Free will allows individuals to make choices independent of external influences. Signup and view all the answers

What major criticism does Popper have regarding Kuhn's view of science?

Kuhn ignores scientific creativity Signup and view all the answers

How does Kuhn believe scientific observations are made?

Influenced by psychological and sociological factors Signup and view all the answers

How does William James differentiate between hard and soft determinism?

Hard determinism operates mechanically, while soft determinism involves thoughtful deliberation. Signup and view all the answers

In Popper's model of science, what is the relationship between problems and proposed solutions?

Proposed solutions must be rigorously tested for validity Signup and view all the answers

What view do behaviorists like Watson and Skinner hold regarding human nature?

Human nature is neutral and molded by environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical stance posits that both physical and mental events are governed by different principles?

Dualism Signup and view all the answers

What do materialists believe regarding the nature of reality?

Matter is the only reality and explains everything in the universe. Signup and view all the answers

According to Sigmund Koch, what should psychology embrace?

Both science and humanities. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of interactionism within dualism propose?

The mind and body interact and influence each other's behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the current definition of psychology?

The science of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach combines various methods to illuminate aspects of psychology's history?

Eclectic approach Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of epiphenomenalism state?

Brain activity can influence mental events but not behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Zeitgeist' refer to in the context of historical development?

The spirit of a specific historical period. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of nativism in the context of human attributes?

The importance of genetic inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to study the history of psychology?

To appreciate modern psychological concepts. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical position argues that life is not solely a mechanical process?

Vitalism Signup and view all the answers

Which component is considered essential for the definition of science?

Empirical observation Signup and view all the answers

What does rationalism primarily emphasize in the process of knowledge acquisition?

Systematic intelligence and logic. Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the idea that failing to remember the past leads to repeating mistakes?

George Santayana Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes psychophysical parallelism from other views?

It states that mental and bodily responses occur independently of each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of historiography in psychology?

Understanding the relationship between past and present. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'great-person approach' in history emphasize?

Individual contributions to ideas. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of occasionalism, what role does God play?

God causes mental experiences corresponding to physical events. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts suggests that human nature traits like intelligence are primarily shaped by experience?

Empiricism Signup and view all the answers

What is pre-established harmony in relation to mental and physiological events?

An external agent coordinates independent events. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of rationalists in understanding knowledge?

Concepts and principles can only be acquired through an active mind. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes objective reality?

It exists independently of human thoughts and is accessible through the senses. Signup and view all the answers

How does universalism differ from relativism?

Universalism asserts that truths are absolute across cultures, while relativism claims there are no absolute truths. Signup and view all the answers

What does naïve realism claim about mental experiences?

What we mentally experience corresponds directly to physical reality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of relativism?

What is considered beautiful varies significantly between different cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Revisions in the Traditional View of Science

Thomas Kuhn introduced the concept of "paradigm," referring to a shared set of beliefs within a scientific community.
Paradigms guide research by defining problems and methods for solving them, likened to puzzle-solving in "normal science."
Paradigms shift primarily due to persistent anomalies that current paradigms cannot explain.

Stages of Scientific Development

Pre-paradigmatic stage features multiple competing schools of thought with random data gathering.
Paradigmatic stage sees established normal science activity.
Revolutionary stage occurs when a new paradigm replaces an existing one.

Paradigms in Psychology

Psychology is often viewed as a pre-paradigmatic discipline with multiple competing schools (behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, etc.).
Some argue for a unified paradigm within psychology, while others believe the coexistence of multiple paradigms is beneficial for understanding human complexity.

Popper vs. Kuhn

Karl Popper criticized Kuhn's perspective, suggesting that scientific inquiry is an imaginative process, not a simple puzzle-solving activity.
Kuhn asserted that psychological and sociological variables must be considered to understand science fully.
Popper emphasized the importance of testability and falsification as key characteristics of scientific inquiry.

Historical Perspective in Psychology

Psychology's definition evolved from being the study of the psyche to the study of behavior.
Historiography examines the writing of psychology's history, highlighting the interplay between present and past perceptions.
Presentism considers past events through contemporary standards, while historicism studies history for its own sake.

Approaches to Writing Psychology History

Includes the analysis of non-psychological influences such as political or technological factors, creating a Zeitgeist.
Great-person approach focuses on influential figures like Plato and Freud, while the historical development approach examines how ideas evolve over time.
An eclectic approach combines various methods to provide comprehensive insight.

Importance of Historical Study in Psychology

Offers perspective on modern psychological concepts and prevents the repetition of past mistakes.
Provides valuable insights and fosters curiosity within the field.

Nature of Science

Debates question whether psychology qualifies as a science due to its subjective nature.
Science is characterized by empirical observation and theory formulation, integrating observations of nature.

Concepts of Determinism

Nondeterminism emphasizes human agency, where individuals are seen to have free will.
Hard determinism suggests actions are automatic and mechanistic, while soft determinism attributes behaviors to cognitive deliberation.

Fundamental Questions in Psychology

Human nature inquiries include perspectives on aggression (Freudians vs. Humanists).
Mind-body relationship theories span materialism, idealism, dualism, interactionism, and more.

Human Attributes: Nativism vs. Empiricism

Nativism champions the role of inheritance in attributes like intelligence, while empiricism stresses experiential influence.

Mechanism vs. Vitalism

Mechanism compares humans to machines governed by rules, while vitalism posits a life force beyond physical aspects.

Rationalism vs. Irrationalism

Rationalism values logical and systematic approaches, contrasting with irrationalism, which emphasizes emotions and unconscious motives.

Epistemology

Explores nature and limits of knowledge and how it is acquired through empiricism and rationalism.

Objective vs. Subjective Reality

Objective reality is independent and fact-based, accessible through the senses, while subjective reality relates to personal thoughts and emotions.

Universalism vs. Relativism

Universalism suggests consistent truths across cultures, while relativism asserts that truths are context-dependent and subjective.

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Description

Explore Thomas Kuhn's influence on the understanding of paradigms within scientific and psychological domains. This quiz examines the stages of scientific development, the characteristics of pre-paradigmatic and paradigmatic stages, and the implications for psychology as a discipline. Test your understanding of how paradigms shape research and knowledge.