Unit 2: Scientific Method, Method Of Authority, Method Of Rationale, Method Of Intuition

Question 1

What is the scientific method?

Answer 1

The systematic observation, measurement, and the formulation, testing & modification of hypothesis or a series of logic steps that, if followed, help minimize any distortion of facts stemming from the researcher’s personal values and beliefs

Question 2

State the characteristics of the scientific method

Answer 2

Replicability, parsimony, precision, falsificaability

Question 3

What is parsimony?

Answer 3

Choosing the simplest definition for a phenomenon when there are multiple explanations

Question 4

Explain replicability

Answer 4

The ability to recreate an experiment and receive identical or very similar results

Question 5

Define precision

Answer 5

Defining theoretical concepts clearly so that others can use those definitions to measure those concepts and test that theory

Question 6

What is falsifiability?

Answer 6

The theory must be stated in a way that can be disproven

Question 7

Give an example of replicability

Answer 7

Oranges + water = orange juice, you cannot get lemonade

Question 8

Give an example of precision

Answer 8

Burning sensation normally felt in extremities that can be felt else where in the body. This explanation is preferred over a feeling felt in certain body parts.

Question 9

Give an example of parsimony

Answer 9

Why is the fridge light not working? Instead of assuming that it is something wrong with the electrical wiring in the fridge, you would assume the bulls needs to change

Question 10

Example of falsifiability

Answer 10

All juices contain sugar

Question 11

What is the method of authority?

Answer 11

When information is accepted without question from people whose expertise in the field may be overstated

Question 12

Define the method of rationale

Answer 12

Method of knowing an using logic

Question 13

What is rationalism?

Answer 13

Using logical rules to arrive at sound conclusions to acquire new knowledge

Question 14

How does the scientific method differ from the method of intuition?

Answer 14

Method of intuition cannot be replicated or truly measured because of the unknowing nature of its origin. Whereas, the scientific method relies on rigorous testing and measurements.

Question 15

How does the scientific method differ from the method of rationale?

Answer 15

Method of rationale uses logic to get from a set of assumptions to a conclusion but there is room for logical error due to the lack of observation whereas the scientific method requires copious amounts of direct observation.

Question 16

How does the scientific method differ from the method of authority?

Answer 16

The method of authority just accepts conclusive findings of an expert or a presumed expert on a topic without concluding if the form of research is invalid. Whereas, the scientific method requires the completion of the several processes which make up the scientific process before drawing conclusions.

Question 17

Discuss the importance of data to establishing truth via the scientific method

Answer 17

The data which is gathered via carrying out experiments and observation is crucial to establishing truth because of its reliability and validity- The reliability and validity along with the characteristics of the scientific method allow us to trust the data and deem it as true.

Question 18

Which method of acquiring knowledge is most reliable?

Answer 18

Scientific method which involves systematic and objective research before drawing conclusions

Question 19

Which method of acquiring knowledge is the least reliable?

Answer 19

The method of intuition because it does not follow a structured criteria to research and often times lacks sufficient information to reach a conclusion. The intuitive method is a cognitive process which is susceptible to natural human error and biases.

Question 20

How does falsifiability ensure reliability and validity?

Answer 20

Falsifiability refers to writing hypotheses in a way that can be disproven. The basis of a hypothesis comes from theories so if the pre-existing principles cannot be disproven then knowledge will never progress in the confines of the scientific method

Question 21

How does replicability ensure reliability and validity?

Answer 21

Because if identical or near identical results are obtained after repeating the experiment several times then the findings can be confirmed was reliable

Question 22

How does parsimony ensure reliability and validity?

Answer 22

When choosing the simplest explanation you make less assumptions and therefore reduce errors and biases

Question 23

How does precision ensure reliability and validity?

Answer 23

To eliminate errors caused because of lack of clarity