The Scientific Method and Critical Thinking

Question 1

What is the Scientific Method?

Answer 1

A set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that are used to investigate, generate evidence, and draw conclusions. Focuses on empirical evidence.

Question 2

What are the steps in the scientific method?

Answer 2

(1) Formulate a hypothesis
(2) Gather the data
(3) Analyze the data and draw conclusion(s)
(4) Report the findings

Question 3

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 3

An educated guess

Question 4

How can data be gathered?

Answer 4

Descriptively or experimentally

Question 5

What is the theory of Critical Thinking?

Answer 5

Analyze, compare, evaluate, critique, reflect information, and think productively

Question 6

What are the Four Basic Principles of critical thinking?

Answer 6

(1) Not are “truths” are true - beliefs and values we hold true as faith, others should be evaluated with logic and common sense.

(2) Be intellectually careful - check for mistakes and look at the quality of the evidence.

(3) Be skeptical - check and re-check. Just because an “authority” believes in a truth doesn’t necessarily mean that you should automatically believe them.

(4) Be open-minded and curious - question and inquire, look at all evidence with an open mind.