wk1/ c2 (the scientific method)

Question 1

week 1

concept 2-

Answer 1

The Scientific Method

Question 2

The Scientific method is:

Answer 2

a system for acquiring knowledge and establishing its truth

Question 3

the scientific method is used to:

Answer 3

 Describe,
 Predict,
 Explain and
 Control natural phenomena

Question 4

The Scientific Method is dependent on three basic elements (see pg. 5, Polgar & Thomas, (2008)):

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Answer 4

 EMPIRICISM
Enquiry ought be conducted through observation and knowledge

verified through evidence

Question 5

The Scientific Method is dependent on three basic elements (see pg. 5, Polgar & Thomas, (2008)):

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Answer 5

 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

Question 6

The Scientific Method is dependent on three basic elements (see pg. 5, Polgar & Thomas, (2008)):

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Answer 6

 SCEPTICISM

Propositions (even those put forward by authority figures) are open to doubt and subject to analysis

Question 7

The scientific method specifies-

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Answer 7

 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

Question 8

The main steps of the Scientific Method are -

diagram

Answer 8

Question 9

Observation (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)

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The Scientific method requires observation that _

Answer 9

forms the basis of description

Question 10

Observation (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)

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description must be based on_

Answer 10

a precise and unbiased recording of the findings

Question 11

Observation (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)

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These observations may be generalised into _

Answer 11

statements leading to hypotheses and theories

Question 12

Hypotheses (Polgar & Thomas , 2008, p. 6):

Statements that specify the _

Answer 12

expected nature of the relationship between two or more sets of variables

Question 13

Hypotheses (Polgar & Thomas , 2008, p. 6)

eg.

Answer 13

“The administration of penicillin cures pneumonia”

Question 14

Note that a hypothesis is a statement between

Answer 14

two or more variables – it is not a question

Question 15

Theories (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)

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Hypotheses may be integrated into_

Answer 15

more general explanatory systems called theories

Question 16

Theories (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)

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Some theories are developed into models which are_

Answer 16

mathematical or physical representation of how the theory works

Question 17

Theories (Polgar &Thomas, 2008, p.6)

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Theories specify causes of events and provide the conceptual frameworks for making predictions

Answer 17

the conceptual frameworks for making predictions

Question 18

Hypothesis testing and Controlled Observations (Polgar & Thomas, 2008, p.7)

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When testing a hypothesis, it is desirable to use _

Answer 18

controlled conditions

Question 19

Hypothesis testing and Controlled Observations (Polgar & Thomas, 2008, p.7)

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The objective of controlled conditions is to discount_

Answer 19

confounding variables (or competing hypotheses) for explaining the predicted phenomenon

Question 20

Controversies Surrounding The Scientific Method (Polgar & Thomas, 2008, p. 8)

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Answer 20

• The Theory–Dependence of Observations
• The validity of Induction
• What constitutes Falsification

Question 21

The Theory–Dependence of Observations means:

Answer 21

Hence, the observer is selective with regard as to what should

be recorded as evidence

Question 22

Controversies Surrounding The Scientific Method-

the validity of Induction is concerned with?

Answer 22

How valid is a generalisation based on observation of a limited

number of samples?

Question 23

Controversies Surrounding The Scientific Method-

What constitutes Falsification?

Answer 23

falsification of theories largely involves a modification to hypotheses on the periphery of the theory rather than the “inner core” proposition

Question 24

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

Answer 24

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)