Science as a Way of Knowing
Science is a continuous process. It sometimes undergoes a fundamental revelation in ideas.
.Science begins with observations.
.Deals with any statements that can be disproved.
.Scientific Theory - A grand scheme that relates/explains many observations and is supported by a great deal of evidence. Theories habe tremendous prestige and are considered greatest achievements of science.
Hypothesis - Written as a statement
.When scientists with to test an inference
.Can be disproved
.Must use an "if and then" statement
.If hypothesis has not been disproved, is still not proven true- only found to be probably true.
Variables
.Manipulated variable: independent variable- can be changed
.Responding variable: dependent variable- response to change
Controlled Experiment
.Experiment compared to a standard, or control.
.Exact duplicate of experiment except condition of one variable being tested.
.Any difference in outcome attributed to independent variable.
Repeatability
Operational definitions (experimental constants)- variables described in terms of what one would have to do to duplicate variable's measurements. Allows other scientists to repeat experiments exactly to validate results.
.Quantitative- numerical
.Qualitative- non-numerical
Scientific Method - Make observation/develop question
.Develop a tentative answer- hypothesis
.Design a controlled experiment
.Collect data
.Interpret data
.Draw conclusion
.Compare conclusion to hypothesis
.If hypothesis is supported, conduct additional experiments to test further. If hypothesis is rejected, construct new hypothesis.
Alternative Ways to Study
.Historical evidence
.Modern catastrophes/disturbances
Science is a continuous process. It sometimes undergoes a fundamental revelation in ideas.
.Science begins with observations.
.Deals with any statements that can be disproved.
.Scientific Theory - A grand scheme that relates/explains many observations and is supported by a great deal of evidence. Theories habe tremendous prestige and are considered greatest achievements of science.
Hypothesis - Written as a statement
.When scientists with to test an inference
.Can be disproved
.Must use an "if and then" statement
.If hypothesis has not been disproved, is still not proven true- only found to be probably true.
Variables
.Manipulated variable: independent variable- can be changed
.Responding variable: dependent variable- response to change
Controlled Experiment
.Experiment compared to a standard, or control.
.Exact duplicate of experiment except condition of one variable being tested.
.Any difference in outcome attributed to independent variable.
Repeatability
Operational definitions (experimental constants)- variables described in terms of what one would have to do to duplicate variable's measurements. Allows other scientists to repeat experiments exactly to validate results.
.Quantitative- numerical
.Qualitative- non-numerical
Scientific Method - Make observation/develop question
.Develop a tentative answer- hypothesis
.Design a controlled experiment
.Collect data
.Interpret data
.Draw conclusion
.Compare conclusion to hypothesis
.If hypothesis is supported, conduct additional experiments to test further. If hypothesis is rejected, construct new hypothesis.
Alternative Ways to Study
.Historical evidence
.Modern catastrophes/disturbances