Scientific Thinking and Problem Solving

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Scientific Thinking and Problem Solving

• No way of thinking or, however ancient, can be
  trusted without proof.
• Henry David Thoreau

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What is Science

• The exploration of nature
• Scientists look for organization in nature and
  try to explain it.
• Science does not absolutely prove anything - only
  provides data for the existence of phenomena.

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Products Created Through Scientific Discovery

• Scientific Law
• Scientific Theory
• Scientific Hypothesis

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Scientific Law

• Natural phenomenon observed, tested and explained
• Repeatably observed over and over again without
  exception
• Greatest degree of certainty
• Ex. Law of Gravity

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Scientific Theory

• Many facts, ideas and explanations
• Unified into a central explanation
• High degree of certainty among scientist studying
  problem
• Subject to continued revision and testing
• Ex. Global Warming

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Scientific Hypothesis

• Variety of tentative or possible explanations for
  an observation
• Used to generate questions and tests for the
  hypothesis
• Often changing as hypothesis is refined
• Ex. Mass extinctions terrestrial,
  extraterrestrial or natural causes

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Definition of Terms

• Hypothesis an educated guess as to the outcome
  of a particular experiment or phenomenon.
• Observation a set of data based on measurements
  obtained using one or more of the five human
  senses, including instrumentation designed to
  enhance those senses, such as telescopes or
  microscopes.
• Data a set of observations
• Experiment a test designed to eliminate a
  possible outcome or to verify the occurrence of a
  phenomenon
• Prediction statement of a particular outcome
  that must be true if a hypothesis is true.

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Scientific Approach

• Observation and development of a meaningful
  question to identify a significant problem. The
  question must be stated in a way that it is
  possible to answer it.
• Gather information to solve the problem or
  further investigate.
• Propose a solution hypothesis
• Test the hypothesis
• Experiments
• Make further observations
• If the hypothesis fails it is rejected or
  modified
• If the hypothesis is not rejected it is tested
  over and over. If it remains valid through many
  tests it becomes knowledge.

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Observations

• Formulating questions about observed phenomenon.
• Must eliminate realm of possibilities and focus
  the question.
• Probable answers are explored

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Example Car will not start

• Generate questions (hypotheses) as why the car
  will not start

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Gather Information

• Information must be sensible, measurable, and
  repeatable, so that others can make the same
  observations
• Information is gathered from the reliable sources
  (library) or past (empirical) experiences.

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Empiricism The Use of Empirical Evidence

• Evidence that one can see, hear, touch, taste, or
  smell it is evidence that is susceptible to
  one's senses.
• Foundation for reliable knowledge What you can
  see and experience.
• Contrast to
• Authoritarian Evidence Information passed
  through sources such as Teachers.
• Circumstantial Evidence Motive, Cause and
  Opportunity
• Example
• Car wont start
• What have I observed, heard, smelled that may be
  cause of the problem

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Example Car will not start

• Gather reliable Information

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Propose a Solution

• Hypotheses and Null Hypothesis
• Informed, testable, and predictive solution to a
  scientific problem
• Developed Through
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning

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Deductive Reasoning

• Deduce facts by eliminating all possible outcomes
  that do not fit the facts
• All possible outcomes are eliminated until only
  one possibility remains
• Example
• Car will not start
• Test all components
• Component not working is the problem
• Is this a practical approach?

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Inductive Reasoning

• Building a house of cards
• Every test occurs the same so it must be true
• Example
• Car wont start
• Cant test every system on the car
• Test what we believe is the problem
• If it fails the problem is identified however..

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Test The Hypotheses

• Experiments
• Observations
• Error
• Assumptions

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Rationalism The Practice of Logical Reasoning

• Process of arriving at a conclusion through the
  use of logic.
• Differs from Emotional, Hopeful and Wishful
  Thinking that use bias and personal belief.
• Refine and develop through rational thinking
• Example
• Car wont start
• If I leave it alone it will start tomorrow
• It will not start because I have an important
  task to accomplish

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Example Car will not start

• Test the Hypothesis

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Accept, Refine or Reject the Hypotheses

• Alternative ideas and hypotheses
• Bias of Interpretation
• Skepticism

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Skepticism Possessing a Skeptical Attitude

• The constant questioning of beliefs and
  conclusions.
• Test the logical consequences to see if your
  beliefs match objective reality.
• Look for political, monetary and other
  motivations that may bias information.
• Example
• Solution for car expensive when repair is not
  necessary

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Example Car will not start

• Accept, Refine or Reject the Hypothesis

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Remember - Science is a Never Ending Process