Positivism and Scientific Method Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the origin of the word 'science'?

  • Latin word 'scientia' meaning knowledge (correct)
  • Greek word 'scio' meaning study
  • French word 'science' meaning knowledge
  • German word 'wissenschaft' meaning systematic body of knowledge

    • Which type of science focuses on human behavior and societies?

  • Formal science
  • Social science (correct)
  • Physical science
  • Natural science

    • What distinguishes laws from theories in scientific knowledge?

  • Laws represent observed patterns, theories offer systematic explanations (correct)
  • Theories provide a foundation for phenomena, laws are systematic explanations
  • Laws offer systematic explanations, theories are observed patterns
  • Laws are theoretical, theories are empirical

    • Which level of scientific research involves testing theories against reality?

    <p>Empirical level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of scientific inquiry involves making generalizations or predictions based on specific observations?

    <p>Inductive inquiry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research often addresses the 'what' question and uses qualitative techniques for data collection?

    <p>Descriptive research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of research involves attempting to explain and answer the 'why' question based on existing knowledge?

    <p>Exploratory research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure's philosophy contributed to Bacon's empiricism in the evolution of scientific thought?

    <p>Greek rationalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Positivism faced challenges in the 20th century mainly from which opposing stance?

    <p>Anti-positivism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of scientific research requires a more developed understanding of a social phenomenon and focuses on 'how' and 'who' questions?

    <p>Explanatory research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes scientific research from other forms of research?

    <p>It must contribute to a body of science and follow the scientific method.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the lecturer describe research methods in relation to objectivity?

    <p>As an outlook or perspective on the world, not just rules for objectivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized as a crucial skill for individuals in consuming information effectively?

    <p>Rigorous observation and application of scientific tools.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the lecturer imply that scientific research impacts individuals?

    <p>By enabling them to make better decisions with far-reaching consequences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the lecture, why is falsifiability an essential aspect of scientific research?

    <p>It allows theories to be tested and potentially proven wrong.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key characteristic of the scientific method?

    <p>Logical, falsifiable, and repeatable procedures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the concept of falsifiability in the philosophy of science?

    <p>To demarcate scientific theories from non-scientific ones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between positivism and the scientific method?

    <p>Positivism emphasizes empirical evidence and the scientific method as the basis for building scientific knowledge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of falsifiability relate to the evaluation of scientific theories?

    <p>Falsifiability means that a scientific theory must be able to be empirically tested and potentially disproven</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a falsifiable theory?

    <p>It encourages the formulation of vague and untestable hypotheses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is falsifiability considered fundamental in fields like physics, biology, and psychology?

    <p>It promotes a robust and rigorous scientific process by requiring constant testing and re-testing of theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a theory is not falsifiable, what is the potential consequence according to the text?

    <p>The theory may be considered scientifically invalid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a falsifiable theory?

    <p>Einstein's Theory of Relativity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the role of falsifiability in scientific research?

    <p>It requires looking for evidence that could disprove a theory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key characteristic of a scientific theory, according to the passage?

    <p>Ability to make falsifiable predictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the principle of falsifiability emphasize about scientific theories?

    <p>That they must be structured to allow for empirical testing and potential refutation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is the relationship between falsifiability and the dynamic nature of science?

    <p>Falsifiability ensures that science remains open to new evidence and constant refinement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the passage suggest about the relationship between Freudian psychoanalysis and the principle of falsifiability?

    <p>Freudian psychoanalysis is an example of a theory that is not falsifiable, as it can interpret any behavior to fit its theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reasoning process is used to form hypotheses and theories based on observed phenomena?

    <p>Inductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of using deductive reasoning in scientific research?

    <p>To test hypotheses and theories through experiments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between inductive and deductive reasoning in scientific inquiry?

    <p>They often work in tandem, with inductive reasoning generating hypotheses and deductive reasoning testing them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle is essential for a scientific theory to be considered valid?

    <p>Falsifiability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a scientist observes that every time they mix two chemicals, a specific reaction occurs, what reasoning process are they using to propose a hypothesis about the reaction?

    <p>Inductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of using deductive reasoning in scientific research?

    <p>To ensure logical consistency and ground theories in established facts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reasoning process is used to test a hypothesis through controlled experiments?

    <p>Deductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a scientist observes that every time they mix a specific combination of chemicals, a particular reaction occurs, what reasoning process are they using to propose a general principle about the reaction?

    <p>Inductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the role of falsifiability in scientific research?

    <p>It enables theories to be tested and potentially disproven through empirical observations or experiments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a scientist proposes a hypothesis based on observed patterns, what reasoning process should they use to test and refine the hypothesis?

    <p>Deductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What philosophical concept introduced by Karl Popper serves as a demarcation criterion to distinguish scientific theories from non-scientific ones?

    <p>Falsifiability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In scientific research, what characteristic should a theory possess to be considered scientific, according to Popper?

    <p>It must be empirically testable and potentially falsifiable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of falsifiability in scientific inquiry as discussed in the passage?

    <p>To distinguish scientific theories from non-scientific ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the scientific method's significance in research, as outlined in the text?

    <p>It is essential for both natural and social sciences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes scientific theories from non-scientific ones based on the concept of falsifiability?

    <p>Their capacity to be tested and potentially proven false.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of scientific research is most often concerned with addressing the 'what' question and frequently utilizes qualitative techniques for data collection?

    <p>Exploratory research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosophical stance served as a major challenge to positivism in the 20th century, according to the passage?

    <p>Anti-positivism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a key characteristic of a scientific theory, according to the information provided in the text?

    <p>It must be falsifiable and able to be tested against reality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the concept of falsifiability in the philosophy of science, as suggested by the text?

    <p>To distinguish scientific theories from non-scientific beliefs or claims</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, which type of scientific research involves actively attempting to explain and answer the 'why' question, building on existing knowledge from more basic exploratory and descriptive studies?

    <p>Explanatory research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of a scientific theory is emphasized as crucial in the passage?

    <p>Falsifiability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the concept of falsifiability in the philosophy of science, according to the passage?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the passage contrast astronomy and astrology in terms of their relation to the principle of falsifiability?

    <p>Astronomy is considered a science because its theories about celestial bodies can be tested and potentially disproven, while astrology makes vague predictions that are not testable in a rigorous, falsifiable manner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the passage suggest about the relationship between falsifiability and the dynamic nature of science?

    <p>Falsifiability encourages the continuous refinement and improvement of scientific theories through empirical testing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a falsifiable theory provided in the passage?

    <p>Einstein's Theory of Relativity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the principle of falsifiability in the philosophy of science?

    <p>To allow for continuous testing and potential refutation of scientific theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reasoning process is used to form hypotheses and theories based on observed phenomena?

    <p>Inductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is the relationship between falsifiability and the dynamic nature of science?

    <p>Falsifiability allows science to remain dynamic, open to new evidence, and constantly evolving</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a theory is not falsifiable, what is the potential consequence according to the text?

    <p>It may be accepted as a scientific theory without empirical testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the role of falsifiability in scientific research?

    <p>It emphasizes that scientific theories must be structured in a way that allows for empirical testing and potential refutation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the lecture, what is the primary purpose of the concept of falsifiability in the philosophy of science?

    <p>To establish a clear distinction between scientific and non-scientific claims.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic should a theory possess, according to Popper, in order to be considered scientific?

    <p>The theory must be able to make accurate predictions that can be tested through observation and experimentation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of falsifiability in scientific inquiry, as discussed in the passage?

    <p>To establish a clear distinction between scientific and non-scientific claims or theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is the primary distinguishing feature of scientific research compared to other forms of research?

    <p>Both b and c</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between falsifiability and the dynamic nature of science, as discussed in the passage?

    <p>Falsifiability promotes the idea that all scientific knowledge is inherently provisional and subject to revision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes inductive reasoning from deductive reasoning in scientific research?

    <p>Inductive reasoning is used to create theories, while deductive reasoning is used to test them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the use of deductive reasoning in scientific research impact the formation of theories?

    <p>It ensures that theories are logically consistent and grounded in established facts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of scientific inquiry does the principle of falsifiability primarily address?

    <p>Testing theories against reality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do inductive and deductive logic complement each other in scientific research?

    <p>They work together, with inductive logic generating theories and deductive logic testing them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are both inductive and deductive reasoning essential in the scientific method?

    <p>To allow for the development and testing of hypotheses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does deductive reasoning play in ensuring the validity of scientific theories?

    <p>It guarantees that theories are grounded in factual evidence and logical principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes a scientific theory from a non-scientific one based on the concept of falsifiability?

    <p>Its capacity to be tested against empirical evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are scientists encouraged to use both inductive and deductive reasoning in their research processes?

    <p>To create an iterative process of theory formation and testing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the principle of falsifiability contribute to the robustness of scientific knowledge?

    <p>By allowing for continual testing and refinement of theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What outcome can arise if a theory lacks falsifiability according to the text?

    <p>It may be considered unscientific or pseudoscientific.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of scientific inquiry involves making generalizations or predictions based on specific observations?

    <p>Inductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of the concept of falsifiability in the philosophy of science?

    <p>To distinguish scientific theories from non-scientific beliefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reasoning process is used to test a hypothesis through controlled experiments?

    <p>Deductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes laws from theories in scientific knowledge, according to the passage?

    <p>Laws are observed patterns, while theories offer systematic explanations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is the primary function of concepts in research?

    <p>They serve as the building blocks of hypotheses and theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes concepts from constructs and variables in research, according to the passage?

    <p>Concepts are abstract ideas, while constructs and variables are measurable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of concepts in the research process, as described in the passage?

    <p>They serve as the foundation for developing hypotheses and theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do concepts, constructs, and variables differ in their relationship to the real world, according to the passage?

    <p>Concepts are abstract and not measurable, while constructs and variables are concrete and measurable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of concepts in the research process, according to the passage?

    <p>To serve as the foundation for developing hypotheses and theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the passage describe the relationship between concepts and measurable elements in research?

    <p>Concepts are abstract mental representations that guide the selection and measurement of constructs and variables in research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary distinguishing feature between concepts and constructs, as described in the passage?

    <p>Concepts are abstract ideas, while constructs are operationalized and measurable representations of those ideas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, how do concepts, constructs, and variables differ in their relationship to the real world?

    <p>Concepts represent abstract ideas, constructs operationalize those ideas, and variables are the measurable elements used to test hypotheses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the progression from concept to construct to variable in research methodology?

    <p>To bridge the gap between empirical testing and theoretical abstraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does emotional intelligence fit into the progression from concept to construct to variable?

    <p>It represents a specific, measurable construct within the concept of intelligence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a challenge related to operationalizing abstract concepts into measurable variables?

    <p>Avoiding biases and inaccuracies in the measurement process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do complex constructs pose a challenge in research methodology?

    <p>Their multidimensionality can complicate their translation into measurable variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) mentioned in the text?

    <p>It provides a way to measure emotional intelligence through self-reporting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are responses collected in the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT)?

    <p>Through self-reporting using a Likert scale.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is turning abstract concepts into measurable variables not always straightforward according to the text?

    <p>As it can be prone to biases and inaccuracies in measurement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does emotional intelligence differ from general intelligence in the context of the text?

    <p>Emotional intelligence is specific and measurable, while general intelligence remains vague and abstract.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the unit of analysis from other research components?

    <p>It is the primary determinant of the research design and data analysis approach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to align the unit of analysis with the research question?

    <p>To prevent a mismatch that could lead to invalid or irrelevant conclusions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the challenge of aggregation and disaggregation in research?

    <p>Translating individual-level data into group-level inferences or vice versa.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a study examining team performance in organizations, what would be the appropriate unit of analysis?

    <p>Each team within the organization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the use of multiple units of analysis?

    <p>A comparative study of healthcare policies across different countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a study analyzing media coverage of a significant political event, what would be the appropriate unit of analysis?

    <p>Specific news articles or media reports</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best captures the significance of the unit of analysis in research?

    <p>It influences every stage of the research process, from conceptualization to interpretation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a study examining thematic patterns in 19th-century literature, what would be the appropriate unit of analysis?

    <p>Specific literary works or texts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between propositions and hypotheses?

    <p>Hypotheses are operationalized versions of propositions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of operationalizing constructs into measurable variables?

    <p>To transform propositions into testable hypotheses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the characteristic of falsifiability in scientific research?

    <p>Falsifiability allows for the potential refutation of a theory based on empirical evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a falsifiable hypothesis?

    <p>It resides in the realm of the abstract or theoretical.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a scientific theory is not falsifiable, what potential consequence does the passage suggest?

    <p>The theory may be considered non-scientific and lack empirical support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reasoning process is primarily used to test a hypothesis through controlled experiments?

    <p>Deductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of falsifiability in scientific inquiry, as discussed in the passage?

    <p>To allow for the potential refutation of theories based on empirical evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between inductive and deductive reasoning in scientific inquiry?

    <p>Both inductive and deductive reasoning are used in complementary ways throughout the scientific process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of defining, operationalizing, and measuring variables in research according to the passage?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is the primary difference between independent variables and dependent variables in research?

    <p>Both a and b</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of control variables in research, as described in the passage?

    <p>To isolate the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the role of validity and reliability in research, according to the passage?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of understanding the concepts of independent, dependent, and control variables in research, as discussed in the passage?

    <p>To enable researchers to design and interpret experiments more effectively</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Positivism vs. Anti-Positivism

    • Positivism emphasizes empirical evidence and the scientific method
    • Anti-positivism focuses on understanding social actions through interpretive means

    The Scientific Method

    • A standardized approach for building scientific knowledge
    • Encompasses techniques for making valid observations and interpreting results
    • The method is logical, falsifiable, and repeatable
    • Essential for both natural and social sciences

    Falsifiability

    • The capacity for a statement, hypothesis, or theory to be proven false by empirical evidence or logical argument
    • Introduced by philosopher Karl Popper in the 20th century
    • Serves as a demarcation criterion to distinguish scientific theories from non-scientific ones
    • Examples: Evolution (falsifiable) vs. Creationism (non-falsifiable)

    Scientific Inquiry

    • Requires both methodological and theoretical skills
    • Methodological skills involve the practical 'know-how' of carrying out research
    • Theoretical skills involve understanding and developing the conceptual framework of the research
    • Falsifiability ensures scientific theories remain subject to continuous testing and potential refutation

    Types of Research

    • Exploratory research: analyzes a social phenomenon that is largely unknown
    • Descriptive research: focuses on describing or detailing a social setting or relationship
    • Explanatory research: attempts to explain and answer the “why” question

    Scientific Thought

    • Evolved over centuries, influenced by various philosophical and scientific movements
    • From theological precepts to Greek rationalism, from Bacon's empiricism to Kant's subjective experiences and Comte's positivism

    Concepts, Constructs, and Variables

    • Concepts: abstract ideas or general notions that represent phenomena
    • Constructs: abstract representations of concepts, important for hypotheses and theories
    • Variables: operationalized constructs, measurable and testable

    Propositions and Hypotheses

    • Propositions: declarative statements that express a relationship between two or more constructs
    • Hypotheses: testable predictions between two or more variables, derived from theoretical frameworks or propositions
    • Examples: concept to construct to variable (intelligence, emotional intelligence, score on the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test)

    Independent, Dependent, and Control Variables

    • Independent Variables (IV): what you change or control in an experiment

    • Dependent Variables (DV): what you measure in the experiment

    • Control Variables: constants that do not change

    • Examples: study time (IV) and test scores (DV)### Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

    • Deductive reasoning is used to logically derive conclusions from general principles to specific cases.

    • Example: "All birds have feathers" (general principle) and "A robin is a bird" (specific instance) leads to the conclusion "A robin has feathers".

    • Inductive reasoning is used to form hypotheses and theories based on observed phenomena.

    • Both inductive and deductive reasoning are used in scientific research, often in tandem.

    Scientific Method

    • The scientific method is a standardized approach for building scientific knowledge.
    • It encompasses techniques for making valid observations and interpreting results.
    • The method is logical, falsifiable, and repeatable.

    Falsifiability

    • Falsifiability is the capacity for a statement, hypothesis, or theory to be proven false by empirical evidence or logical argument.
    • Introduced by Karl Popper in the 20th century, it serves as a demarcation criterion to distinguish scientific theories from non-scientific ones.
    • Falsifiability helps to distinguish scientific statements from non-scientific ones.
    • A theory should be considered scientific if it can be empirically tested and potentially falsified.

    Understanding Science

    • Science is a systematic body of knowledge gained through the scientific method.
    • It includes both natural science (dealing with physical phenomena) and social science (focusing on human behavior and societies).
    • Natural sciences are precise and deterministic, while social sciences deal with more subjective and variable aspects of human experience.

    Scientific Knowledge

    • Scientific knowledge comprises laws and theories explaining various phenomena.
    • Laws are observed patterns, while theories offer systematic explanations.
    • Examples include Newton's Laws of Motion in physics.

    Theoretical and Empirical Levels

    • Scientific research operates on two levels: theoretical and empirical.
    • The theoretical level is about developing concepts and theories about natural or social phenomena.
    • The empirical level is about testing these theories against reality.

    Types of Scientific Research

    • Scientific research can be categorized into exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory types.
    • Exploratory research addresses the "what" question and often uses qualitative techniques.
    • Descriptive research focuses on the "how" and "who" questions.
    • Explanatory research attempts to explain and answer the "why" question.

    Evolution of Scientific Thought

    • Scientific thought has evolved over centuries, from theological precepts to Greek rationalism, and from Bacon's empiricism to Kant's subjective experiences and Comte's positivism.
    • Each era added layers to our understanding of what constitutes science and the scientific method.

    Examples of Falsifiability

    • Astronomy vs. Astrology: Astronomy is a science because its theories about celestial bodies can be tested and potentially disproven, whereas Astrology makes vague predictions that are not testable in a rigorous, falsifiable manner.
    • Einstein's Theory of Relativity: This theory made specific predictions about the bending of light near a massive object, which could be tested during a solar eclipse, and was falsifiable.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on positivism, anti-positivism, and the scientific method. Learn about the emphasis on empirical evidence, interpretive means, logical, falsifiable and repeatable techniques for making valid observations.

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