comm 100 mid

Question 1

Deduction

Answer 1

A logical process in which the conclusion does not contain more information than the premises from which it’s based. Top-down reasoning.

Question 2

Induction

Answer 2

A logical process in which the conclusion contains more info than the premises from which it’s based. (Uncertain). Bottom-up reasoning.

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

A statement about the probable relationships between things in the world. Are inductive, but must allow for deductive reasoning.

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A testable prediction deduced from a theory.

Question 5

Null hypothesis testing

Answer 5

The null hypothesis is a general statement of default position that there is no relationship between two measured phenomena.

Question 6

Falsifiability

Answer 6

Scientific theories must be falsifiable. Otherwise, it are not scientific theories!

Question 7

Verisimilitude

Answer 7

How close to the truth a theory/proposition is/seems. Empirical findings that corroborate a theory add to the theory’s verisimilitude.

Question 8

Mirror neuron

Answer 8

Neurons in the brain adapted to mirror others’ behavior or speech (helps with social bonding usually).

Question 9

Shibboleth

Answer 9

Term that signals if you are in- or out-group (with us or with them).

Question 10

Philosophy of science

Answer 10

The way to describe how research is conducted and how it should be carried out. Relationship between truth and theory.

Question 11

Scientific reductionism

Answer 11

Idea where science reduces complex interactions and entities to the sum of their parts.

Question 12

Scientific paradigm

Answer 12

Framework containing all commonly accepted views about a given subject.

Question 13

Paradigm shifts

Answer 13

A shift that changes the way science looks at the world/a topic.

Question 14

Occam’s razor

Answer 14

The simplest answer is most correct → process of paring down info to make truth-finding easier. Investigate the simplest theory first. “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

Question 15

Verification error

Answer 15

When too attached to a theory, a scientist may forget to look at or miss observations that contradict their theory.

Question 16

Ad hoc analysis

Answer 16

Added after data acquired rather than in the initial hypothesis; can be used to explain away contrary evidence.

Question 17

Fringe science

Answer 17

Departs from established scientific theories but uses the scientific method (still speculative though).

Question 18

Junk science

Answer 18

Not real science, often practiced for or influenced by politics/business

Question 19

Misconceptions

Answer 19

Semi-truth or falsehood treated as scientific fact

Question 20

Pseudoscience

Answer 20

Similar to misconceptions: masquerades as real science.