Theories of Science (AQA A-Level Sociology): Flashcards

Objectivity, evidence-based enquiry, open testing

Scientists influenced by existing theoretical frameworks

Scientists attribute them to experimental errors

Science functions as a belief system like religion

Ideas support each other, preventing fundamental change

A metanarrative & ideology with monopoly of truth

Make sociology truly scientific via natural science methods

Collect data, analyse, develop theories, test, establish facts

Begin with hypotheses, test them, try to disprove theories

Theories can be proven wrong; no permanent social laws exist

'All swans are white' - falsified by black swans' discovery

Science must be understood within its social context

Reflected capitalist ideology: competition, individualism

Framework of accepted ideas guiding scientific research

Revolutionary change when anomalies trigger new framework