Psychology is a science because it follows the empirical method. It is this emphasis on the empirically observable that made it necessary for psychology to change its definition from the study of the mind (because the mind itself could not be directly observed) to the science of behavior.

Five key descriptors for the scientific method are: empirical, replicable, provisional, objective and systematic.

• Empirical Observation. The scientific method is empirical.
• Replicable Experiments. Scientific experiments are replicable.
• Provisional Results.
• Objective Approach.
• Systematic Observation.

When a psychologists mentions the term scientific theory, he or she is referring to something that explains a. wide range of observations.

A: Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, and is appropriate for understanding the natural world, but it provides only a limited understanding of the supernatural, aesthetic, or other ways of knowing, such as art, philosophy, or religion. B: Scientific knowledge is durable and robust, but open to change.

What makes a good scientist?

• Curious. Scientists are curious about their world.
• Patient. Scientists are patient as they repeat experiments multiple times to verify results.
• Courageous.
• Detail-oriented.
• Creative.
• Persistent.
• Communicative.
• Open-minded and free of bias.

Science is a general way of understanding the natural world. Its three fundamental features are systematic empiricism, empirical questions, and public knowledge.

All scientists do three general things: Use their senses to observe. Measure things, including distances, weights, and temperatures. Communicate their findings with other scientists and with the public.

The prediction is a statement of the expected results of the experiment based on the hypothesis. The prediction is often an “if/then statement.” Predictions provide a reference point for the scientist. If predictions are confirmed, the scientist has supported the hypothesis.

Terms in this set (14)

• scientists. ask questions about the natural world.
• science. the study of the natural world.
• earth scientists. study rocks, weather, and the planets.
• physical scientists. study matter and energy.
• life scientists. study living things.
• wildlife biologist. study animals in the wild.
• observation.
• investigation.

1. Natural sciences

• 1.1 Mathematics.
• 1.2 Computer and information sciences.
• 1.3 Physical science.
• 1.4 Chemical sciences.
• 1.5 Earth and related Environmental sciences.
• 1.6 Biological science, (medical to be 3, and agricultural to be 4)
• 1.7 Other natural sciences.

Answer. Answer: Astronomy is the oldest branch of science.

The Three Branches of Science There are three main branches of science: physical science, Earth science and life science.

Modern science is typically divided into three major branches that consist of the natural sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics), which study nature in the broadest sense; the social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology, economics, history) which study people and societies; and the formal sciences (e.g. …