PhD Doctor of Philosophy Philosophy of Science and Research Methodology 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the 'covering law model' (Hempel's DN model) of scientific explanation?

Accepted Answer

An event is explained by deducing it from general laws and initial conditions

Answer

Hempel's Deductive-Nomological model holds that to explain an event, one must show it is a logical consequence of general laws together with statements of initial conditions.

Question 2

The principle of 'Occam's Razor' (parsimony) in scientific methodology advises that:

Accepted Answer

Among competing theories with equal explanatory power, the simpler one is preferable

Answer

Occam's Razor holds that, all else being equal, the hypothesis that introduces the fewest unnecessary entities or assumptions is to be preferred.

Question 3

In the context of scientific research design, 'external validity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The extent to which findings from a study can be generalized to other populations and settings

Answer

External validity concerns the generalizability of research findings — whether results obtained in one specific context apply to broader populations, settings, or times.

Question 4

The concept of 'theory-ladenness of observation,' associated with Norwood Russell Hanson, claims that:

Accepted Answer

What scientists observe is shaped and interpreted through the lens of prior theoretical commitments

Answer

Hanson argued that observation in science is not neutral data-collection but is colored by the theoretical background and concepts the observer brings, so two scientists with different theories may 'see' different things.

Question 5

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the view that scientific knowledge is a social construction shaped by community norms and power relations?

Accepted Answer

Bruno Latour

Answer

Bruno Latour, along with Steve Woolgar, developed the sociology of scientific knowledge (SSK), arguing that scientific facts are constructed through social processes, negotiations, and inscription devices in laboratories.

PhD Doctor of Philosophy Practice Test

PhD Doctor of Philosophy Practice Test

PhD Doctor of Philosophy Philosophy of Science and Research Methodology 3