10 Questions
What is the main purpose of science?
To understand the structure of the universe
What is the role of logic and reasoning in scientific inquiry?
To derive new knowledge
What is the ultimate goal of objectivity?
To reflect reality
What is the relationship between objectivity and scientific inquiry?
Objectivity is an ideal for scientific inquiry
What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?
Inductive reasoning is used to generate hypotheses while deductive reasoning is used to confirm hypotheses
What is the purpose of experiments in scientific inquiry?
To confirm hypotheses
What is the difference between scientific knowledge and claims arising from speculation, religion and metaphysics?
Scientific knowledge is more reliable
What is the role of empirical evidence in scientific inquiry?
To understand the natural world
What is the concept of scientific objectivity?
An ideal
What is the role of observation in scientific inquiry?
To accurately reflect reality
Study Notes
- Science is a way of understanding the structure and behaviour of the universe.
- Objectivity assumes that a truth or independent reality exists outside of any investigation or observation.
- Objectivity implies a lack of bias, judgment, or prejudice on the part of the researcher.
- Objective knowledge should be a true reflection of reality.
- Objectivity is an ideal for scientific inquiry.
- Science relies on accurate observation, generation of hypothesis, measurement and experimentation before any conclusions can be drawn.
- Of course, logic and reasoning (rationality) have an important role in scientific inquiry, but science goes beyond accepting explanations because they seem reasonable.
- Inductive reasoning is often used by the researcher to generate hypotheses, but these tentative hypotheses cannot be accepted unless they are confirmed by rigorous testing through experiments.
- Deductive logic relies on using established knowledge to derive new knowledge.
- Objectivity requires that the claims, methods and results of science are not or should not be influenced by one's perspectives, value commitments, community bias or personal interests.
- However, this is sometimes easier said than done.
- Science is an attempt to understand the natural world, and the methods used in science are based on empirical evidence.
- The concept of scientific objectivity is somewhat of a myth, as it is an ideal to work towards.
- However, modern society generally views scientific knowledge as being more reliable than claims arising from speculation, religion and metaphysics.
This quiz tests your knowledge of the concepts of objectivity and scientific inquiry. It asks questions about the definition of objectivity, the importance of it in scientific research, and the ways in which it can be compromised.
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