Understanding Scientific Theory

1
Understanding Scientific theory

What is a Scientific Theory?
 A scientific theory is an explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can
be repeatedly tested and verified in accordance with the scientific method. E.g. cell
theory, theory of evolution, atomic theory etc.
 A theory makes use of accepted forms of observation, measurement, and evaluation of
results.
 Scientific theories are formed with a specific aim and purpose
 Theories are tested under controlled conditions in an experiment. E.g.: Muller Lyre
illusion
 It should be based on hypothesis backed by evidence
 Scientific theory organizes empirical observations. Empiricism emphasizes objective and
precise judgment.
 It acts as a guide for future observations
 Theories generate confirmable propositions; it suggests propositions that are tested
experimentally
 Scientific theories are testable and makes falsifiable predictions. The concept of
falsifiability was formulated by Karl Popper. Falsifiability is the capability for a theory,
statement or hypothesis to be proved wrong. According to him a theory must also make
risky predictions.
 Theory must be observable and repeatable
 Theories are both deductive and inductive
 A theory should be well supported by many independent strands of information
 Logical Positivists like Comte and Mach thought of scientific theories as statements in a
formal language. This is the synaptic approach
 The semantic approach identifies theories as simplified models of the world rather than a
proposition.
 The scientific status of any endeavor is determined by its method of investigation; not
what it studies, not when the research was done and who conducted the research
 Types of scientific theories: Albert Einstein described two types of scientific theories-
Constructive and Principle theories. Constructive theories are constructive model for
phenomena such as kinetic theory and principle theories are empirical generalization such
as Newton’s law of motion.
Psychology as science
 A science is a body of systematized knowledge that is gathered by carefully observing
and measuring events.
 Sciences have certain goals.
 Experiments and observations are at the core of scientific psychology.
 As a science, psychology is systematic.
 Scientific theories are important tools for the organization of observed facts.
 Psychology is a science because it follows the empirical method.
 Empiricism emphasizes objective and precise measurement
What is a scientific theory? – GAURI JAYACHANDRAN AND ARCHANA ARUN

Psychology as a science – APARNA. R
2
 Empiricism (founded by John Locke) states that the only source of knowledge comes
through our senses e.g. sight, hearing etc.
 This was in contrast to the existing view that knowledge could be gained solely through
powers of reason and logical argument (known as rationalism). Thus empiricism is the
view that all knowledge is based on, or may come from experience.
 The Empirical approach through gaining knowledge through experience quickly became
the scientific approach and greatly influenced the development of physics and chemistry
in the 17thand 18th centuries.
 The idea that knowledge should be gained through experience, i.e. empirically, turned
into a method of enquiry that used careful observation and experiments to gather facts
and evidence.
 The nature of scientific enquiry may be thought of at two levels:
1. That to do with theory and the foundation of hypotheses.
2. and actual empirical methods of enquiry (i.e. experiments, observations).
 Measurements in psychology is often more difficult than it is in sciences such as physics
and chemistry because many of the things psychologists study cannot be measured
directly by physical scale.
 Theory work together with observed data to form scientific knowledge.
 Psychologists’ studies behaviour using the empirical method.
 To the extent that they use empirical evidences, their findings may be referred to as
scientific.
Purpose of psychology theory: -

In psychology, theories are used to provide a model for understanding human thoughts,
emotions, and behaviors.
A psychological theory has two key components-
1. It must describe a behavior.
2. It must make predictions about future behaviors.
Types of Psychological Theories – NANDANA MADHU CHANDRATH

3
1. Provide a Basis for Understanding the Mind and Behavior

 By having a broad base of understanding about the how's and why's of human
behavior, we can better understand ourselves and others.
 Each theory provides a context for understanding a certain aspect of human
behavior.
 Behavioral theories, for example, provide a basis for understanding how people
learn new things.
2. Inspire Future Research
 Researchers use theories to form hypotheses that can then be tested.
 As new discoveries are made, theories are modified and adapted to account for
new information. While theories are sometimes presented as static and fixed, they
tend to evolve over time as new research is explored.
Types of psychological theories-
• attempt to describe many aspects of the

Grand human experience.
• examples- Erikson's psychosocial theory,
Theories Freud's psychoanalytical theory,
• focus on describing just a narrow range of

Mini behaviors
• examples- classical conditioning, operant
Theories conditioning
Emergent • newer and often involve combining

different aspects of various mini-theories
Theories • examples- Vygotsky's sociocultural theory,

4
References:
Leahey, T. H. (1991). A history of modern psychology. Englewood Cliffs, N.J:

Prentice Hall.
Hergenhahn, B.R. and Henley, T. (2014). An Introduction to the history of

psychology: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Morgan, C.T., King, R.A., Weisz, J.R., & Schopler, J. (1993). Introduction to
psychology, 7th ed. New Delhi: Tata Mcgraw Hill
Kendra Cherry. “How Theories Are Used in Psychology.” Verywell Mind,
Verywell Mind, 22 Oct. 2019, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-
theory-2795970.
Cherry, Kendra. “The Purpose of Psychology Theories.” Verywell Mind,

Verywell Mind, 4 June 2019, https://www.verywellmind.com/the-purpose-
of-psychology-theories-2795084.
“Scientific Theory.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Nov. 2019,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theory.

Understanding Scientific Theory

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Understanding Scientific Theory

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Understanding Scientific Theory

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1

Understanding Scientific theory

What is a scientific theory? – GAURI JAYACHANDRAN AND ARCHANA ARUN

Purpose of psychology theory: -

Types of Psychological Theories – NANDANA MADHU CHANDRATH

1. Provide a Basis for Understanding the Mind and Behavior

Types of psychological theories-

• attempt to describe many aspects of the

• focus on describing just a narrow range of

Emergent • newer and often involve combining

Types of Psychological Theories – NANDANA MADHU CHANDRATH

Leahey, T. H. (1991). A history of modern psychology. Englewood Cliffs, N.J:

Hergenhahn, B.R. and Henley, T. (2014). An Introduction to the history of

Cherry, Kendra. “The Purpose of Psychology Theories.” Verywell Mind,

“Scientific Theory.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Nov. 2019,

Types of Psychological Theories – NANDANA MADHU CHANDRATH

You might also like