Scientific Thinking Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is empiricism, and how does empirical evidence compare with other types of evidence?

Empiricism is a theory stating that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. Empirical evidence is knowledge acquired by observation or experimentation.

Is 'authoritarian evidence' always bad?

False

Explain Schafersman's linking of empiricism, rationalism, and skepticism as key components of scientific thinking.

Schafersman links these components by stating that scientific thinking relies on empirical evidence (empiricism), logical reasoning (rationalism), and a skeptical attitude (skepticism).

What are some principal characteristics of scientific knowledge?

Scientific knowledge should be empirical, repeatable, testable/falsifiable, quantitative, and without bias. Signup and view all the answers

Why are scientists said to aim toward 'reliable knowledge' rather than 'truth'?

Reliable knowledge is justifiable, while truth can be relative among different individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major difference between how scientists and lawyers investigate truth?

Lawyers can omit evidence that does not support their case, while scientists must consider all available evidence. Signup and view all the answers

In which case, lawyers or scientists, is there more likely to be a final verdict or definite conclusion?

Lawyers are more likely to reach a final verdict. Signup and view all the answers

Describe an example of a scientific test related to human memory or attention reliability.

An example could include experiments that measure recall accuracy in different scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

How can 'double-blind' conditions be used when studying best practices for police witness line-ups?

Double-blind conditions ensure that neither the witness nor the administrator knows the identities of the suspects. Signup and view all the answers

Apart from identifying criminals, what are some other uses of DNA profiling techniques?

Other uses include paternity testing and genetic research. Signup and view all the answers

What hypotheses were proposed to explain high maternal mortality in the 19th-century Vienna hospital?

Hypotheses included 'epidemic influences' and 'overcrowding'. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Empiricism and Scientific Thinking

Empiricism states that knowledge originates from sensory experiences.
Empirical evidence is obtained through observation or experimentation, contrasting with other forms of evidence.
Rationalism involves logical reasoning; scientific thinkers employ both rationalism and empiricism.
Skepticism encourages continuous questioning of beliefs, promoting self-reflection and tentative conclusions.

Authoritarian Evidence

Authoritarian evidence isn't inherently negative; it can be valid if sourced from knowledgeable and trustworthy experts in the relevant field.

Components of Scientific Thinking

Scientific thinking integrates empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and a skeptical attitude.
Skepticism is crucial as it fosters self-questioning and openness to changing beliefs, foundational to scientific and critical thinking.

Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

Empirical: Knowledge should be observable and perceivable by multiple observers.
Repeatable: Experiments and results must be verifiable by others.
Testable/Falsifiable: Hypotheses must be confirmable or disprovable through experimentation.
Quantitative: Emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis.
Without Bias: Strives for neutrality, avoiding partiality in findings.

Reliable Knowledge vs. Truth

Scientists aim for reliable knowledge which can be justified; truth may vary between individuals, thus cannot always be universally claimed.

Hypothesis Testing: Scientists vs. Lawyers

Scientists consider all evidence relevant to their hypothesis, while lawyers may discard unfavorable evidence in legal arguments.
Scientists target a 95% probability level for research publication, with an understanding that conclusions are subject to revision.
Legal proceedings typically yield definitive verdicts ("guilty" or "not guilty"), while scientific conclusions are open to further evidence and revision.

Final Verdicts

Lawyers are more likely to reach a final verdict due to the structured nature of legal proceedings, whereas scientific conclusions remain open to change with new evidence.

Testing Human Memory and Attention

Scientific tests are conducted to assess the reliability of human memory and attention, often reflecting on modes of recall and cognitive processes.

Double-Blind Conditions

Double-blind methodologies can enhance the reliability of studies on police witness line-ups by preventing both participants and administrators from knowing who is a suspect or a filler, thereby minimizing bias.

DNA Profiling Applications

Apart from criminal identification, DNA profiling is utilized in paternity testing, ancestry research, and studying genetics related to health and diseases.

Hypotheses on 19th-Century Maternal Mortality

Initial hypotheses proposed "epidemic influences" in the atmosphere and overcrowding as causes for high maternal mortality but were disproved by comparing affected and unaffected groups and examining environmental factors.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of scientific thinking with our flashcards. This quiz highlights key concepts such as empiricism and the importance of empirical evidence compared to other knowledge sources. Perfect for students aiming to strengthen their understanding of scientific methodology.