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M6 - Scientific Method

The document outlines the definition of science as a body of knowledge based on experimental evidence and the scientific method. It explains the differences between facts, hypotheses, and theories, emphasizing that scientific knowledge is provisional and subject to testing and revision. Additionally, it discusses the principles, processes, characteristics, and cultural context of science, highlighting its objective nature and ongoing evolution.

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22 views25 pages

M6 - Scientific Method

The document outlines the definition of science as a body of knowledge based on experimental evidence and the scientific method. It explains the differences between facts, hypotheses, and theories, emphasizing that scientific knowledge is provisional and subject to testing and revision. Additionally, it discusses the principles, processes, characteristics, and cultural context of science, highlighting its objective nature and ongoing evolution.

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Ridzuan Digital4All
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PLG714

THE DEVELOPMENT OF
PHILOSOPHY AND BASIC
THOUGHT IN SCIENCE
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
INTRODUCTION
What is Science?

 Science is a body of knowledge

 Science is a way of knowing based on


experimental or observational evidence
and its interpretation.

 Science is a discipline largely defined by its


primary method – the scientific method.
Scientific method:

Approach to investigate the world, to gain


knowledge of the world.
Philosophy of science:

• Examines the assumptions underlying


scientific inquiry

• To understand nature and evaluate its results


SCIENTIFIC METHOD

An endeavour to construct an accurate


representation of the world.
Sea Breeze

This is a natural breeze that blows from the sea


towards the land during the day.
It is caused by the land and the sea having different
heat capacities.
Land Breeze

This is a natural breeze that blows from the


land towards the sea during the night.
It is caused by the land and the sea having
different heat capacities.
• Humans seem (naturally) interested in the world
we live in. Young children drive their parents
batty with constant "why" questions. Science
is a means to get some of those whys
answered.
• When we shop for groceries (foodstuff), we are
conducting a kind of scientific experiment. If you
like Brand X of soup, and Brand Y is on sale,
perhaps you try Brand Y. If you like it you may buy
it again, even when it is not on sale. If you did not
like Brand Y, then no sale will get you to try it
again.
• Science is from the Latin word, scientia, to know.

• Science is an objective, logical, and repeatable


attempt to understand the principles and forces
operating in the natural universe.

• Good science is not dogmatic (rigid), but should


be viewed as an ongoing process of testing and
evaluation.

=
FACT, HYPOTHESIS AND THEORY
• A fact is an undisputed (certain) piece of
information derived from observation.

• A hypothesis is a testable prediction


A good hypothesis should be falsifiable.

• A theory is a general set of principles that


explain some natural phenomenon.
Examples of scientific theories are the theory
of gravitation, the atomic
Theory: the cell theory, the theory of
evolution.
Provisional Assent – Scientific Ideas Can Only Be
Proven Wrong

• A theory stands because observations or


experimentation never proves its tenets
wrong.
• This doesn’t prove the theory is correct –
only that its never been proved wrong.
• In this sense, scientific knowledge is
provisional (temporary).
• The scientific method offers
an objective way to
evaluate information to determine what is
false.
• The late astronomer Carl Sagan,
pointed out that "Science is away of thinking
much more than it is a body of facts “

• A 1998 National Academy of Sciences book contains a


superb chapter that distinguishes between facts and
theories and between scientific beliefs and faith.

• In scientific terms, "theory" does not mean "guess" or


"hunch" as it does in everyday usage.
• Scientific theories are explanations of natural phenomena
built up logically from testable observations and hypotheses.
...
• In scientific terms, "theory" does not mean
"guess" or "hunch" as it does in everyday
usage.

• Scientific theories are explanations of


natural phenomena built up logically from
testable observations and hypotheses
• Scientists most often use the word "fact"
to describe an observation.

• But scientists can also use "fact" to mean


something that has been tested or
observed so many times that there is no
longer a compelling reason to keep testing
or looking for examples. . . .
• Usually "faith" refers to beliefs that are
accepted without empirical [observed]
evidence.
• Most religions have tenets (system of belief) of
faith. Science differs from religion because it is
the nature of science to test and retest
explanations against the natural world.
• Thus, scientific explanations are likely to be built
on and modified with new information and new
ways of looking at old information. This is quite
different from most religious beliefs.
• Therefore, "belief" is really not an
appropriate term to use in science, because
testing is such an important part of this way
of knowing.
• If there is a component of faith to science, it
is the assumption that the universe operates
according to regularities. . . . This "faith" is
very different from religious faith.
The Operation of Scientific Method

• Observation
• Hypothesis
• Prediction
• Verification
• Evaluation
• Peer Review
Science Works in 4 Specific Ways:
Principles, Processes, Characteristics, & through
a Cultural Context

Image from evolution.berkeley.edu website.


1-Science has Principles
• Explain the natural world

• Explanations tested with evidence from


the natural world

• We can learn about the natural world by


gathering evidence
2- Science Is A Process
• Scientific claims are based on reasoning, testing, and
replication; “falsifiable”-to prove that something is
incorrect

• Theories are central to scientific thinking.

Images from evolution.berkeley.edu website.


3- Characteristics of Science
• Conclusions are reliable, though
tentative
• Science is not democratic
• Science is non-dogmatic
• Science cannot make moral or
aesthetic decisions.

Rosa californica, courtesy of G. L. Smith.


4- Science Exists in a Cultural Context
• Science is not always a direct ascent toward the truth.
• Science corrects itself.
• Science is a human endeavor:
a) Falling in love with one’s own hypothesis b)
Being drawn in by preconceptions

Image from evolution.berkeley.edu website.


Summary of Key Word and Scientific Process

Observation
about
unexplained Causal Questions
phenomenon E.G Why questions Abduction
From scientific observation
to tentative explanation
• Creativity
• Recall: Long term memory
• Use analogy
• Previous experience
• Related research
If…

Alternative Hypotheses
Tentative ideas to
explain phenomenon Conclusion
The hypotheses are supported
or contradicted

And..
Observed Results
Experiments
What actually happens
Test conditions

then.. Comparison
Deduction
From a non observable explanation
Expected Result
and experimental to specific
What should happen;
observable consequences
What is predicted
TERIMA KASIH
[email protected]

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