Science Flashcards
What is the most important process of Science?
Social Process (Merton’s Norms)
What are the 4 Merton’s Norms?
Universalism, Commonality, Disinterestedness, and Organized Skepticism.
What is Universalism?
Validity of scientific claim that doesn’t depend on who’s making it, status does not matter
What is Communality?
Science belongs to everyone, not private property. There is no secrecy; open communication is key.
What is Disinterstendness?
Scientists should focus on finding the truth, not own success. They should report whatever.
What is Organized Skepticism?
To not take everything at face value, verify other’s claims.
What is the Self-correcting Mechanism of Science?
Transparency reveals strong methods.
What is Transparency?
The critical part of self-correction. Lines with Communcal Norm, meaning that things should be shared.
Two Examples of Transparency
Data behind claims, how obtained, etc
If Transparency is Lacking..?
This leads to asymmetry between “seller” and “buyer”, therefore, the buyer knows less leading to “quality symmetry”.
Three Features of the Scientific Method
Systematic Empiricism, Publicly Verifiable Knowledge (Communalism), and Empirically Solvable Problems (Fasifiability).
What is Systematic Empiricism?
Process of relying on observing systematic things.
Example of Systematic Empricism
“Let’s take a look”, Objective observation, Theory driven (Systematic).
What is Publicly Verifiable Knowledge (Communalism)?
“No secrets”, allowing for self-correction and objectivity.
What are Two Things That Can Help Communalism?
Peer-Reviewed Sources and Replication.
What is Empirically Sovalble Problems (Falsifiability)?
Defines whether something is a scientific claim or not- can it be tested?
What is Empiricism?
Use of systematic observation to test a theory- used to conclude.
What is a Theory?
Set of concepts that are used to explain data and make predictions of results in future experiments.
Can a Theory be Proven?
No
Can Only One Study Evaluate a Theory?
No
What is a Hypothesis?
Specific prediction derived from theories.
What Makes a Good Theory?
Falsifiablitlity, productivity (broad new prediction), explanatory power, and parsimony (simplicity)
What are the Three Categories of Research?
Basic, translational, and applied.
What is the Basic Category of Research?
The goal of the research is to advance knowledge for its own sake.
