Chapter 2 - The Scientific Method

Question 1

Explain:

Naive Realism

Answer 1

The belief is exactly as it is perceived to be by the naked eye.

Question 2

State:

Origin of Scientific Method

Answer 2

The Maternity Ward Problem

Question 3

Figures:

Maternity Ward Problem

Answer 3

Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis, Hungarian Physician

Question 4

Explain:

The Maternity Ward Problem

Answer 4

Patients were dying in one of the maternity wards attended by the physicians, but not the other, attended by women, Semmelweis created the origins of germ theory in search of a solution to this problem.

Question 5

State:

Steps in the scientific method

Answer 5

1. Identify question of interest (observe).
2. Gather relevant information and formulate a testable hypothesis (hypothesize).
3. Design a study that can test the hypothesis.
4. Analyze data from study and draw tentative conclusions.
5. Report findings and ask further questions.

Question 6

Explain:

Falsifiability

Answer 6

In order for a hypothesis to be meaningful it must be falsifiable, meaning that there must be a way to prove the hypothesis false, it cannot exist and be a catchall that picks up its own loose ends.

Question 7

Explain:

Deduction

Answer 7

An argument in which the conclusion is drawn from the premises. i.e
Premise: All men are mortal
Premise: Socrates is a man
Conclusion: Socrates is mortal

Question 8

Explain :

Induction

Answer 8

An argument in which it is improbable that it is false given that all the premises are true. i.e.
Premise: All observed Swans are white.
Conclusion: All swans are white.

Question 9

Explain:

Meaningfulness of Falsifiability in hypotheses

Answer 9

In the case of inductive hypotheses there is no way to prove them right, however there should be a way to prove them wrong. If they capable of being proved wrong then a deductive hypothesis can be drawn, giving validity to the initial inductive hypothesis.

Question 10

Explain:

Fact vs Theory vs Hypothesis vs Laws

Answer 10

Facts - Observations of the world around us in real time.
Hypothesis - A reasonable belief based off of observations (facts).
Law - Descriptions of how observations interact within space and time.
Theory - Culmination of evidence and tested hypotheses to create a possible causal relationship, used to make predictions.