Unit 2: Scientific Method, Method Of Authority, Method Of Rationale, Method Of Intuition Flashcards
What is the scientific method?
The systematic observation, measurement, and the formulation, testing & modification of hypothesis or a series of logic steps that, if followed, help minimize any distortion of facts stemming from the researcher’s personal values and beliefs
State the characteristics of the scientific method
Replicability, parsimony, precision, falsificaability
What is parsimony?
Choosing the simplest definition for a phenomenon when there are multiple explanations
Explain replicability
The ability to recreate an experiment and receive identical or very similar results
Define precision
Defining theoretical concepts clearly so that others can use those definitions to measure those concepts and test that theory
What is falsifiability?
The theory must be stated in a way that can be disproven
Give an example of replicability
Oranges + water = orange juice, you cannot get lemonade
Give an example of precision
Burning sensation normally felt in extremities that can be felt else where in the body. This explanation is preferred over a feeling felt in certain body parts.
Give an example of parsimony
Why is the fridge light not working? Instead of assuming that it is something wrong with the electrical wiring in the fridge, you would assume the bulls needs to change
Example of falsifiability
All juices contain sugar
What is the method of authority?
When information is accepted without question from people whose expertise in the field may be overstated
Define the method of rationale
Method of knowing an using logic
What is rationalism?
Using logical rules to arrive at sound conclusions to acquire new knowledge
How does the scientific method differ from the method of intuition?
Method of intuition cannot be replicated or truly measured because of the unknowing nature of its origin. Whereas, the scientific method relies on rigorous testing and measurements.
How does the scientific method differ from the method of rationale?
Method of rationale uses logic to get from a set of assumptions to a conclusion but there is room for logical error due to the lack of observation whereas the scientific method requires copious amounts of direct observation.
How does the scientific method differ from the method of authority?
The method of authority just accepts conclusive findings of an expert or a presumed expert on a topic without concluding if the form of research is invalid. Whereas, the scientific method requires the completion of the several processes which make up the scientific process before drawing conclusions.
Discuss the importance of data to establishing truth via the scientific method
The data which is gathered via carrying out experiments and observation is crucial to establishing truth because of its reliability and validity- The reliability and validity along with the characteristics of the scientific method allow us to trust the data and deem it as true.
Which method of acquiring knowledge is most reliable?
Scientific method which involves systematic and objective research before drawing conclusions
Which method of acquiring knowledge is the least reliable?
The method of intuition because it does not follow a structured criteria to research and often times lacks sufficient information to reach a conclusion. The intuitive method is a cognitive process which is susceptible to natural human error and biases.
How does falsifiability ensure reliability and validity?
Falsifiability refers to writing hypotheses in a way that can be disproven. The basis of a hypothesis comes from theories so if the pre-existing principles cannot be disproven then knowledge will never progress in the confines of the scientific method
How does replicability ensure reliability and validity?
Because if identical or near identical results are obtained after repeating the experiment several times then the findings can be confirmed was reliable
How does parsimony ensure reliability and validity?
When choosing the simplest explanation you make less assumptions and therefore reduce errors and biases
How does precision ensure reliability and validity?
To eliminate errors caused because of lack of clarity
