wk1/ c2 (the scientific method) Flashcards
week 1
concept 2-
The Scientific Method
The Scientific method is:
a system for acquiring knowledge and establishing its truth
the scientific method is used to:
Describe,
Predict,
Explain and
Control natural phenomena
The Scientific Method is dependent on three basic elements (see pg. 5, Polgar & Thomas, (2008)):
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EMPIRICISM
Enquiry ought be conducted through observation and knowledge
verified through evidence
The Scientific Method is dependent on three basic elements (see pg. 5, Polgar & Thomas, (2008)):
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DETERMINISM
Events can be explained on the basis of regular laws and can be attributed to causes. The objective is to discover these rules and causes
The Scientific Method is dependent on three basic elements (see pg. 5, Polgar & Thomas, (2008)):
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SCEPTICISM
Propositions (even those put forward by authority figures) are open to doubt and subject to analysis
The scientific method specifies-
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How knowledge should be acquired
The form in which this knowledge should be stated
How the “truth” or validity of the knowledge should be established
The main steps of the Scientific Method are -
diagram
Observation (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)
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The Scientific method requires observation that _
forms the basis of description
Observation (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)
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description must be based on_
a precise and unbiased recording of the findings
Observation (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)
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These observations may be generalised into _
statements leading to hypotheses and theories
Hypotheses (Polgar & Thomas , 2008, p. 6):
Statements that specify the _
expected nature of the relationship between two or more sets of variables
Hypotheses (Polgar & Thomas , 2008, p. 6)
eg.
“The administration of penicillin cures pneumonia”
Note that a hypothesis is a statement between
two or more variables – it is not a question
Theories (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)
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Hypotheses may be integrated into_
more general explanatory systems called theories
Theories (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)
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Some theories are developed into models which are_
mathematical or physical representation of how the theory works
Theories (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)
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Theories specify causes of events and provide the conceptual frameworks for making predictions
the conceptual frameworks for making predictions
Hypothesis testing and Controlled Observations (Polgar & Thomas, 2008, p.7)
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When testing a hypothesis, it is desirable to use _
controlled conditions
Hypothesis testing and Controlled Observations (Polgar & Thomas, 2008, p.7)
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The objective of controlled conditions is to discount_
confounding variables (or competing hypotheses) for explaining the predicted phenomenon
Controversies Surrounding The Scientific Method (Polgar & Thomas, 2008, p. 8)
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- The Theory–Dependence of Observations
- The validity of Induction
- What constitutes Falsification
The Theory–Dependence of Observations means:
Hence, the observer is selective with regard as to what should
be recorded as evidence
Controversies Surrounding The Scientific Method-
the validity of Induction is concerned with?
How valid is a generalisation based on observation of a limited
number of samples?
Controversies Surrounding The Scientific Method-
What constitutes Falsification?
falsification of theories largely involves a modification to hypotheses on the periphery of the theory rather than the “inner core” proposition
Relationship between the Scientific Method and Evidence-Based Medicine:
According to Portney & Watkins (2009, p. 3)
“The concept of evidence-based practice represents the fundamental principle that the provision of quality care will depend on
our ability to make choices that have been confirmed by sound scientific data, and that our decisions are based on the best evidence currently available” (emphasis added)
