Module 1 - Nature of Science, Explanatory Depth, Science of Thinking

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Questions and Answers

What would be the best type of data to collect when answering a question about how a geologic feature was formed?

Weather patterns over decades.

Quantitative and qualitative data. (correct)

The age of the rocks only.

Only qualitative descriptions.

What step follows making observations in the scientific process?

Confirming existing theories.

Creating a testable hypothesis. (correct)

Documenting results without experimentation.

Collecting more data.

Which of the following describes the primary role of making predictions in scientific inquiry?

They were only used in historical studies.

They confirm hypotheses immediately.

They direct further experimentation. (correct)

They are irrelevant to the scientific process.

What are the three basic characteristics of science as described?

A process of discovery, creativity, and data sharing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best distinguishes data from interpretations?

Data consists of facts or measurements, while interpretations are explanations. Signup and view all the answers

What role does creativity play in the scientific process?

It is essential for generating new questions and methods of investigation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of climate change on coastal cities?

It will lead to sea level rise threatening low-lying areas. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'illusion of explanatory depth' refer to?

Overestimating one's understanding of a subject Signup and view all the answers

What is one creative aspect of scientific inquiry mentioned in the content?

The generation of novel ideas and new interpretations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies qualitative data as opposed to quantitative data?

Descriptions of volcanic rock characteristics like 'glassy' Signup and view all the answers

What kind of knowledge do people typically overestimate according to the discussion?

Common everyday knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary claim about the illusion of explanatory depth?

People often confuse how something works with simply recognizing it. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the Division of Cognitive Labour?

Specialization in knowledge leads to greater societal efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

According to Phil Fernbach’s study, what did participants struggle with regarding their views on political issues?

Explaining how the policies work. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why it may be acceptable not to know how something works?

Societal structures allow for specialization and reliance on others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the illusion of explanatory depth for policy debates?

People may hold strong opinions despite lacking understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the relationship between knowledge and specialization as reported in the content?

Collective knowledge compensates for individual lack of understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive system is primarily responsible for handling routine tasks automatically?

System One Signup and view all the answers

What overarching theme does Mr. K convey about scientists' career paths?

They often follow non-linear trajectories Signup and view all the answers

According to the Science of Thinking Video, science videos are an extremely effective way of changing misconceptions.

False Signup and view all the answers

People often have no preconceived notions of how things work. So when learning science, it's like you are coming in with a "blank slate".

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mr. K's Path in Science

Video describes a non-linear path to a science career
Early experiences inspired a love for science
High school ski patrol job, involved accidents/injuries
Experienced accidents and helping injured people
Learned responsibility and independence
Admired the mountain landscapes, inspired by nature
Pursued a liberal arts degree at Whitman College
Studied philosophy
Learned about the natural world
Conducted research in the Altaï Mountains, Mongolia
Explored climate change and mass wasting
Studied snow science for masters at Utah State
Did fuel loading research, studied fire behavior
Became interested in copywriting but wanted science
Studied in New Zealand for PhD
Explored landslides called Bree flows
Developed a geotechnical centrifuge

The Scientific Process

Science is a process of discovery about the world
Science involves identifying data and making interpretations
Science is creative
Data is critical to science
Data examples include oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide concentrations
Examples of data include the composition of Earth's atmosphere, including gas bubbles
Data and interpretations are the building blocks of scientific discovery
Scientific method involves observations, hypotheses, predictions, and experiments.

The Illusion of Explanatory Depth

People often overestimate their understanding of things
Explaining common things accurately is difficult
People don't always understand how things work
It's easier to know if we know a fact.
Four factors contributing to the illusion: change blindness, confusion with layers of explanation, unknowingness of underlying knowledge, the rarity of explanations
Science challenges our internal mental models and encourages us to engage in more accurate thinking.

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