Science Methods Midterm Review

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Questions and Answers

What is the meaning of "falsifiable" in the context of science?

  • A proposition or explanation must be based on personal beliefs or opinions.
  • A proposition or explanation must be able to be proven true.
  • A proposition or explanation must be able to be tested and potentially proven false. (correct)
  • A proposition or explanation must be widely accepted by the scientific community.

According to Merton's norms of science, what should be the primary basis for evaluating scientific research?

  • The institution where the research was conducted.
  • The funding source for the research.
  • The scientific merit of the research. (correct)
  • The reputation of the researcher.

Which of the following scenarios violates the norm of universalism in science?

  • A scientist publishes a groundbreaking study in a prestigious scientific journal.
  • A researcher's grant proposal is rejected because the research topic is deemed irrelevant by the funding agency.
  • A scientist's theory is widely accepted by the scientific community after rigorous testing.
  • A scientist's research is dismissed because they are a member of a minority group. (correct)

How does the norm of universalism contrast with everyday thinking?

<p>In everyday life, we often judge information based on the source's credibility, while science emphasizes objective evaluation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for scientific propositions to be falsifiable?

<p>It allows scientists to identify and eliminate incorrect explanations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What approach do scientists take to ensure the integrity of their work?

<p>Communalism and organized skepticism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way might scientists be dishonest in their reporting?

<p>Only discussing findings that support their theories (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can personal values influence a social scientist's research?

<p>By interpreting data in various ways depending on their beliefs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might be a good question to ask when reviewing social scientific research?

<p>What are the author's values, particularly political ones? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason scientists should practice organized skepticism?

<p>To challenge and evaluate ideas critically (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does disinterestedness in science primarily imply?

<p>Personal biases should not influence research outcomes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can the same data regarding tuition fees lead to?

<p>Diverse interpretations based on differing values (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest in research?

<p>A researcher studying the effectiveness of a drug they are invested in financially (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue is highlighted by Stuart Ritchie's work?

<p>Fraud and bias can undermine scientific research (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of tuition fee freezes according to some researchers?

<p>Insufficient funding for universities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested technique to practice skepticism in social sciences?

<p>Consider the opposite perspective of an idea (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional challenge do scientists often face regarding their ideas?

<p>They often feel pressured to abandon cherished beliefs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of communalism in the scientific community?

<p>Findings must be shared and verified by peers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective was widely accepted before being challenged in recent years?

<p>Behaviourist psychology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if the main goal of a scientist is wealth or fame?

<p>The truth may be compromised. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'The truth hurts' suggest in the context of scientific inquiry?

<p>Abandoning false beliefs can be emotionally difficult. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do scientists have to be open about their data?

<p>To allow others to verify their results. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for a scientist who refuses to share their data when asked?

<p>Their research will be deemed unscientific. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to replicate scientific research?

<p>Repeating the research using the same methods and data. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is honesty particularly important in science?

<p>Because dishonesty can undermine the entire scientific process. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason given by the author for why there isn't rampant fraud in science?

<p>There are social and professional consequences for dishonest behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Falsifiability

The ability for a hypothesis to be proven false by evidence.

Universalism

The principle that scientific research should be judged on merit, regardless of who conducted it.

Scientific Merit

The quality and credibility of scientific research and results.

Research Bias

The influence of personal feelings or opinions on the acceptance of research.

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Merton's Norms

Norms for conducting science formulated by Robert K. Merton including universalism and communism.

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Organized Skepticism

The practice of critically challenging ideas and findings in science.

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Challenge Authority

In science, questioning established ideas is encouraged, unlike everyday life.

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Disinterestedness

A principle that science should prioritize truth over personal gain or fame.

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Conflict of Interest

A situation where a person's private interests could influence their research outcomes.

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Emotional Attachment

The difficulty of abandoning ideas one is emotionally connected to, even if proven wrong.

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Behaviorism

A psychological theory stating behavior is learned through rewards and punishments.

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Skeptical Technique

Taking oppositional viewpoints to test the validity of an idea or claim.

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Pursuit of Truth

The fundamental goal of science should be to discover and reveal the truth.

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Communalism

A principle stating that scientific methods, data, and findings must be openly shared and scrutinized by the public.

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Open Science

An approach in which researchers provide public access to their methods and data, promoting transparency.

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Scientific Reputation

The trustworthiness and credibility of a scientist, which can be damaged by dishonesty.

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Replication

The ability for other scientists to repeat findings using the same methods and data to verify results.

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Honesty in Science

The ethical obligation of scientists to report accurate results and follow proper procedures, free from deceit.

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Publication bias

The tendency to publish only positive findings that support theories.

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Influence of values in research

Personal and political values can shape how researchers interpret data.

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Tuition freeze interpretation

Different values lead to contrasting views on the effects of a tuition freeze.

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Value position

A researcher’s personal beliefs that inform their study conclusions.

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Stuart Ritchie

Author who critiques bias and dishonesty in scientific research.

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Merton’s norms of science

Standards that guide scientific practice, including communalism and skepticism.

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Study Notes

Midterm Exam Information

  • First midterm will be on February 4.
  • The exam will be held in the classroom.
  • The exam will be two hours long.
  • The format will be multiple choice and short answer questions.
  • The exam will cover all class materials presented up to and including January 28.
  • Required readings: Chapters 1, 9, and 10.

Science as a Way of Knowing

  • Science is a method of acquiring knowledge.
  • Propositions and explanations in science must be falsifiable.
  • This means that it is possible to disprove them.

Merton's Norms for Scientists

  • Universalism: Research merit is judged based on scientific quality, not on the researcher's identity.
  • Organized Skepticism: It's appropriate and important to challenge scientific findings and methods.

Everyday Life vs. Science

  • In everyday life, judgments and beliefs can be influenced by personal preferences or biases.
  • Science, however, requires impartial judgments based on evidence and method.

Disinterestedness in Science

  • Science should be driven by the pursuit of truth, not by personal gain.
  • Conflicts of interest must be disclosed by researchers.
  • Maintaining neutrality amidst personal biases and attachments is necessary.

Communalism in Science

  • Scientific methods, data, and findings must be available for scrutiny by the public.
  • Open sharing of data is essential.
  • The principle of "open science" is encouraged, encouraging public review and sharing of research.

Honesty in Science

  • Honesty is an essential norm in science.
  • Dishonesty can severely damage a scientist's reputation.
  • Scientists must accurately report findings and procedures.

Challenges in Social Science Research

  • Role of Values: Personal and political values can influence the interpretation of data and research outcomes.
  • Presence of the Observer: The presence of researchers can affect the behavior of study subjects. Research participants may alter their actions knowing they are being watched.

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