Class 3 - Scientific Thinking & Intellectual Standards Flashcards
(49 cards)
Why is scientific thinking important?
Because everyday thinking is often biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or prejudiced. Good quality of life and outcomes depend on high-quality thinking, which must be systematically cultivated.
What is scientific thinking?
A mode of thinking applied to scientific subjects or problems where the thinker improves thinking quality by applying intellectual standards of critical thinking, focusing on empirical, testable phenomena in natural or social sciences.
What methods are used in scientific thinking?
• Formulating testable hypotheses
• Conducting controlled experiments
• Collecting and analyzing data
• Peer review and replication
What skills does scientific thinking require?
• Effective communication
• Problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to continued skill development
What are some key reasons to use scientific thinking?
• Avoid jumping to conclusions with limited info
• Never take things for granted
• Never consider a judgment better than the available evidence
• Treat what seems logical as supposition until proven
• Consider something proof only if consistently repeated results support it, not a single study
What questions reflect the intellectual standard of clarity?
• Could you elaborate further on your hypothesis?
• Could you explain the phenomenon in more detail?
What makes this explanation unclear?
“Deep tissue massage helps with back pain by releasing tension in the muscles. It targets deeper layers, promoting relaxation and improving blood flow, allowing muscles to relax and reduce pain.”
• Lack of specificity
• Missing context
• No mention of individual variability
• Lack of evidence
• Overgeneralization
How can you improve clarity for the above claim?
Provide a detailed description of the technique, qualify the claim, explain influencing factors, and encourage consultation with healthcare professionals.
What questions reflect the intellectual standard of accuracy?
• How can we check those data?
• How can we verify or test that theory?
What is inaccurate about this claim?
“Massage therapy reduces anxiety and depression by releasing ‘feel-good’ hormones like endorphins and serotonin, promoting relaxation, balancing energy flow, and releasing toxins.”
• Lack of citation of research
• Unqualified claim
• Omits variables
• Lacks integration into a comprehensive treatment plan
How to improve accuracy for the above claim?
Cite relevant research, qualify the claim by noting individual variability and limitations, and state that massage should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What questions reflect precision?
• Could you be more specific?
• Could you give more details on the phenomenon?
• Could you explain exactly how the mechanism takes place?
Why is this claim imprecise?
“Massage therapy helps to loosen tight muscles and improve blood flow, enhancing flexibility in people with chronic low back pain.”
• Lack of specificity
• Assumption of causality/overgeneralization
• Failure to address individual variability
• Lack of context
How to improve precision for the above claim?
Add specific research references, qualify the claim, identify variables influencing outcomes, and call for further investigation.
What questions reflect relevance?
• How do these data relate to the problem?
• How does this information relate to the research question?
• How does this information contribute to the issue?
What is an example of irrelevant data in a study on Swedish massage reducing chronic low back pain?
Measuring participant satisfaction with the ambiance, preferences for music, or general stress levels without measuring pain levels before and after treatment.
What questions reflect depth?
• What factors make this a difficult scientific problem?
• What complexities or multiple relationships exist?
• What are alternative viewpoints?
What does engaging in intellectual depth involve?
• Conducting thorough research
• Analyzing multiple dimensions
• Critically evaluating evidence
• Considering alternative viewpoints
• Synthesizing information
• Generating new insights
What questions reflect breadth?
• Do we need to consider other perspectives?
• Are there other points of view to consider?
• How else can we look at this problem?
Why is breadth important in research on massage therapy for anxiety?
Because effects may differ by gender, age, massage type, cultural beliefs, placebo effects, or therapist-client rapport.
What questions reflect logic?
• Are all the data consistent with each other?
• Are multiple theories consistent with each other?
• Is logical consistency implied in the data?
What questions reflect significance?
• Is this the central idea to focus on?
• Which data or types of data are most important?
What questions reflect fairness?
• Do I have a vested interest that affects objectivity?
• Am I misrepresenting a view I disagree with?
What is an example of unfair reasoning?
Arguing only the benefits of an exercise without acknowledging potential drawbacks or variations in individual response.
