Scientific method

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Scientific method

Advantages

  • Relies on objective and systematic methods of observation
  • Knowledge is acquired with scientific methods not just acceptance of facts
  • Relies on determinism
  • Is able to establish cause of behaviour through use of methods that are both empirical and replicable
  • If a theory doesnt fit facts it can be refined or abandoned

Disadvantages

  • Most subject matters of psychology cant be observed so it cant be measured accurately
  • Not all share the view that all human behaviour can be explored with scientific methods
  • Loses ecological valididty

Evaluation

Wundts method is unreliable lack of reliability of his methodsIntrospection not accuratePsychologist accept Nisbett and Wilson's 1977 claim that we have little knowledge of causes we have little knowledge of processes and underlying behaviour and attitudes which challenges value of introspective reports. They found participants unaware of factors influencing their choice of item.

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