Science and the Scientific Method PDF
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This document provides an introduction to science and the scientific method. It covers various aspects, such as the objectives of science, the nature of science, its key characteristics, the scientific method, and its steps. It also explains the concepts of variables in experiments.
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SCIENCE AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD INTRODUCTION Nullius In Verba on the word of no one ”an expression of the determination of Fellows to withstand the domination of authority and to verify all statements by an appeal to facts determined by experiment.“ The...
SCIENCE AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD INTRODUCTION Nullius In Verba on the word of no one ”an expression of the determination of Fellows to withstand the domination of authority and to verify all statements by an appeal to facts determined by experiment.“ The Royal Society Objectives: Articulate the methods and contents of Science. Describe the goals of basic science and applied science. Compare inductive reasoning with deductive reasoning. Demonstrate or apply the attributes of Science. "Nullius in verba," as a science maxim, means: trust the word of the scientists rational thinking do not trust your pastors or priests doubt everyone or everything take anybody's word for it Chapter 1: The Essence of Science Science is not merely a list of equations or a catalog of facts. First and foremost, it is a way of thinking and a method to acquire such a huge amount of knowledge. o Science is a way of thinking and a method to acquire knowledge. o It seeks to unravel the mysteries of the universe, from the subatomic realm to the cosmic expanse. o It is a dynamic process that evolves with the accumulation of knowledge. o It encompasses a vast array of disciplines, from physics and biology to psychology and astronomy. o The essence of science lies not only in the pursuit of answers but also in the formulation of questions that drive exploration and inquiry. Chapter 1: The Essence of Science The term "science" derives from the Latin word "scientia," meaning knowledge. o The systematic approach that defines modern science emerged during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. o One pivotal development was the rise of the scientific method, a systematic framework for investigation that emphasizes observation, experimentation, hypothesis testing, and evidence-based conclusions. o Science's impact on society grew exponentially over time. o Technological advancements have propelled science to even greater heights in recent decades. Chapter 2: The Nature of Science: Unveiling Its Key Characteristics Science Science is a method in which we learn about the natural world. Knowledge is gained through observation, experimentation, and exploration. Attributes of science: ○ Empirical ○ Objective ○ Non-dogmatic ○ Self-correcting ○ Systematic ○ Transparent What do these things mean to you? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CCO Public Domain Transparent and Open to Critique Scientific Work is Transparent and Open to Critique New knowledge is disseminated and vetted through peer-review and publication Peer-review : anonymous critique by other scientists, only good science makes it through and gets shared/published This process weeds out bad science (invalid methods, improper conclusions, etc) "Torn Spine" by Kevin Grocki is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 An attribute of science, which specifically means being receptive to fresh and diverse views and rejecting the belief that one is always correct and/or not to be intimidated by any strong set of principles concerning faith, morals, doctrines, etc. Objective Self correcting Non dogmatic Critical Transparent 1.2: The Process of Science (Basic Science vs. Applied Science) Basic Science vs. Applied Science Basic science: Science that produces knowledge regardless of application. The source of most scientific theories aimed at understanding fundamental problems. Often, this type of science ends up being invaluable in the future, in unpredictable ways. (study of the cell, the study of inheritance, the study of molecules, etc..) Applied Science: Science that is used to solve specific or practical problems. Creates new technologies and applies information based on basic science. (Surgeons operating on a person, Windmills capturing energy, Solar panel capturing energy, etc..) 1.3: Inductive vs Deductive Science employs two types of logical thinking: Inductive Reasoning: uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion. Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations or examples. It is a bottom-up approach where the conclusion is likely but not guaranteed to be true based on the evidence. "The Thinker" by ajk408 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 1.3: Inductive vs Deductive Deductive Reasoning: uses a general principle or law to forecast specific results Deductive reasoning starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. It is a top-down approach where the conclusion is necessarily true if the premises are true. Examples of each? "The Thinker" by ajk408 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. Juan eats fish. Juan is Filipino. Therefore, Filipinos eat fish. "question" is licensed under CC0 1.0 The Scientific Method 2.1 The Scientific Method What is the scientific method? It is a process that is used to find answers to questions about the natural world around us. Observe/Ask Question Research the Communication problem Analysis and Develop Conclusions hypothesis Experiment Is there only one “scientific method”? No, there are several versions of the scientific method. Some versions have more steps, while others may have only a few. However, they all begin with the identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us. They provide an organized method for conducting and analyzing an experiment. What is a hypothesis? It is an educated guess based on observations and your knowledge of the topic. You state it as a possible answer to a question. Stated in the “If….., then….” format Example: IF I water three plants with different sodas, THEN the plant that receives Sprite will grow the tallest. 2.1 Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Observe or ask a question: State the problem as a question. 2. Research the problem: Read, get advice, and make observations. 3. Develop a hypothesis: Make a prediction about what will happen. 4. Experimentation or hypothesis testing: Plan how you will test your hypothesis. 5. Analyze the data and draw a conclusion: Analyze your data and summarize your findings. 6. Communicate the findings conclusions: can be done by writing a paper, giving a presentation, or publishing your results in a scientific journal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi0hwFDQTSQ 4. Experiment and Variables A variable is anything that can change during an experiment. Independent Variables Dependent Variables Controlled Variables (Constants) A group Example of students were given a short course in speed-reading. The instructor wondered if a monetary incentive would influence performance on a reading test taken at the end of the course. Half the students were offered Php 250 for obtaining a certain level of performance on the test, the other half were not offered money. Independent Variable (IV): Monetary incentive (Php 250). (This is the manipulated variable.) Dependent Variable (DV): Performance on reading test. (This is the variable that can be measured by the experiment.) Control Group (CG): no monetary incentive group. (This group was not affected by the IV.) 4.1 Independent Variable Independent Variable – something that is manipulated by the experimenter. What is tested What is changed (manipulated) 4.3 Dependent Variable Dependent Variable – something that might be affected by the change in the independent variable. What is observed What is measured The data collected during the investigation “the numbers” Here is an easier way to visualize the concept of the independent and dependent variable relationship. Independent Variable Dependent Variable Manipulated Measured Cause Effect Before After Input Output What you do What happens 4.3 Controlled Variable Controlled Variable – group that is not exposed to the independent variable. Also called CONSTANTS Allow for a “fair test”, make it valid Everything in the experiment (except for the independent variable) should be kept constant. Chapter 4: Current Challenges in Science and Society Science and society are inextricably linked. Science has the power to improve our lives in many ways, but it also poses some challenges. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing science and society today. 1. Climate change Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the Earth's temperature to rise. Climate change is already having a significant impact on the planet, and it is expected to get worse in the future. complexity of scientific issues. 2. Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is another major challenge facing science and society. AI is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of AI, such as job displacement and the creation of autonomous weapons. 3. Genetic engineering Genetic engineering is the process of modifying the genes of an organism. This technology has the potential to cure diseases, improve food production, and create new products. However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of genetic engineering, such as the creation of "designer babies" and the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment. 4. Inequality The benefits of science and technology are not evenly distributed. The wealthy and powerful have greater access to these benefits, while the poor and marginalized often do not. This can lead to increased inequality and social unrest. 5. Misinformation and Fake News In the age of digital information, the spread of misinformation and fake news has become a significant challenge. Incorrect or misleading scientific information can quickly spread, leading to public confusion and misguided decisions. Public trust in science is declining. This is due to a number of factors, including the rise of misinformation, the politicization of science, and the increasing complexity of scientific issues.