The Nature of Science Flashcards
The Nature of Science
Dynamic (changes), testable
Scientific Method
For studying nature designing experiments
“Natural events follow patterns”
ASSUMPTION OF SCIENCE
- Can determine these patterns through observation and study
- Assume discovered patterns everywhere, across time
The Assumption of Simplicity
PARSIMONY
- If multiple explanations are possible - choose the simplest one
Scientific Example
Evolution - shared traits and common ancestry
Scientific Statements
MUST BE TESTABLE
Propose Hypothesis (true or false)…
Studying the Past
(Modern Human)
Ex) Hypothesis: Neanderthals and modern humans did not interbreed
“MEASURE THE PAST”
Fossils, air froze in glaciers…
Claudius Ptolemy
(2nd century A. D. Greek in Egypt)
MODEL:
“Crystal Spheres”
Earth at center
Circular orbits
Explained retrogrades
Observation-based
Induction
The whole process…
making a generalization (inference) based on repeated observation
Nicolas Copernicus
(1543 A. D. Polish cleric)
MODEL:
Sun at center
Circular orbits
Model not new: Aristarchus 1st Century A. D.
Earth rotates on its axis
Observation
Ex) “all the squirrels I’ve seen have fur”
Johannes Kepler
(1609 A. D. German mathematician)
MODEL:
Sun at center
Elliptical orbits
Based observations of his mentor, Brahe
Dynamic Science
SCIENCE is SELF-CORRECTING
New, valid data discards existing models
Same process occurred for others
Ensuring Quality Control
SCIENCE BASED ON DATA
What ensures new science is quality work?
Peer Review
Submit research to scientific journals received by specialists
The importance of experimental design
Problems: Sampling bias (too favored), conditions differ
Experimental Design
Independent Variable
“Manipulated” variable; controlled by scientist
Experimental Design
Dependent Variable
“Responding” variable, responding to changes into independent variables
Independent Variable example
Experimental Design
Controlled Variables
Keep all variables constant except independent variables
Dependent Variable example
Controlled Variables examples
