Questions and Answers
What is scientific writing fundamentally?
argumentative
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of scientists?
Data is the end of the story in scientific argumentation.
False
What does scientific progress depend on?
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Data is a basic move in science writing because it can often be interpreted in ______ ways.
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What should be described first when describing data?
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Match the following rhetorical moves for describing data with their descriptions:
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Qualitative data can be reduced to numbers.
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What verbs signify a moderate level of confidence in data interpretations?
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What is the 'twist it' move in scientific arguments?
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Basic moves for entering scientific conversations include agreeing with a difference, disagreeing and explaining why, and ______ objections.
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Study Notes
Scientific Writing
- Scientific writing is inherently argumentative, aiming to make and defend claims.
Role of Scientists
- Scientists address disagreements and explore unresolved questions, propose new theories, and evaluate existing explanations.
- Their work often utilizes technical vocabulary and emphasizes numerical data.
Importance of Data
- Data plays a critical role in scientific argumentation but is not the sole component of effective writing.
Insight and Creativity
- Scientific progress relies on the insights and creativity scientists apply to their data, shaping interpretations and conclusions.
Data Interpretation
- Data serves as a foundational element in scientific writing enabling critical analysis and the development of new interpretations through description.
Describing Data
- Initial descriptions should include hypotheses, methods, and results that lead to conclusions.
- Example formatting: "To test the hypothesis that ----, X measured ----- and found that -----. Therefore, X concluded -----."
Rhetorical Moves in Data Description
- Presenting prevailing theories, explaining methodologies, and summarizing findings are key rhetorical strategies.
Presenting Prevailing Theories
- Hypotheses should be described alongside supporting evidence: "Experiments showing ---- have led scientists to propose ----."
- Discuss how new results may challenge the existing beliefs.
Explaining Methods
- Data quality is contingent on the collection methods, which must be clearly explained.
- Clarify purposes when describing methods utilized by oneself or others.
Summarizing Findings
- Contextualizing numerical data is essential for reader comprehension, achieved through supporting information and comparisons.
Qualitative Data
- Qualitative data, found in images or photographs, cannot be quantified and must be articulated with precise language.
Connecting Data to Interpretations
- Use terms like "suggest," "hint," or "imply" for moderate confidence in data interpretations; "show" or "demonstrate" indicates higher certainty.
- Avoid claiming "prove" regarding a singular study's findings.
Making Arguments
- Focus on interpreting findings rather than questioning the original scientific work.
Twist It Move
- Agree with existing evidence while demonstrating how it can support an opposing viewpoint through logical reasoning.
Basic Moves in Scientific Conversations
- Techniques include agreeing with nuanced differences, disagreeing with justification, acknowledging both agreement and disagreement, anticipating objections, and emphasizing relevance.
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Description
This quiz features flashcards based on Chapter 16 of 'They Say, I Say', focusing on the essence of scientific writing and the role of data in argumentative discourse. It highlights the characteristics of scientists' writing and their engagement with claims and evidence. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of scientific communication.
