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?
