Week 2 STS101 (2024) PDF

SCIENCE AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD INTRODUCTION  Intended Learning Outcomes: Discuss the general concepts related toscienceandtechnology. Explain the scope of the study of STS; and Demonstrate preparedness and readinessinthestudyofSTS.  ”an expression of...

SCIENCE AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD INTRODUCTION  Intended Learning Outcomes: Discuss the general concepts related toscienceandtechnology. Explain the scope of the study of STS; and Demonstrate preparedness and readinessinthestudyofSTS.  ”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 "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 Science comes from the latin word scientia. meaning knowledge -It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both. 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 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..)  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  Experiment and Variables A variable is anything that can change during an experiment. Independent Variables Dependent Variables Controlled Variables (Constants) 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. Technology-application of scientific knowledge. comes from the Greek word: techne meaning art, skill or cunning hand What defines a technological tool-one historical definition-is something that takes a human’s sense or ability and augments it and makes it more powerful. So, for example, I wear contact lenses or glasses; that is a technology that enhances my human ability of vision and makes it better. WHAT IS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY? -In general STS applies methods drawn from history, philosophy and sociology to study the nature of science and technology and ultimately judge their value and place in society. -STS was a result of questions about science and technologies dymamic interaction with various aspects of society. -STS seeks to bridge the gap between two traditionally exclusive cultures- humanities and natural science so that humans will be able to better confront the moral, ethical and existential dilemmas brought by the continued developments in science and technology.