Lecture 03
Science
- Ways of Knowing
- Dogmatism
- Rationalism
- Empiricism
- Positivism
- Science
- Functions of Science
- Description
- Prediction
- Explanation
- Control
- Basic vs. Applied Research
- Terminology
- Variable
- Hypothesis
- Law
- Theory
- Scientific Process
- Hypotheses
- Theory
- Observation
- Three Criteria Used to Evaluate a Theory
- Parsimony
- Breadth
- Generativity
Overview
My aim in this lecture was to demystify science. I emphasized that science is simply one way of acquiring knowledge (or learning what the world is like). It combines logic with rigorous observation. Scientists use logic to generate hypotheses, and test those hypotheses in such a way that multiple, neutral observers can verify the findings.
I also described the functions science serves, and clarified the difference between basic research and applied research. I then defined four common scientific terms (variable, hypothesis, law, and theory) and showed how they combine to create the "scientific process." Finally, I discussed three criteria we use to evaluate theories: Parsimony (good theories are no more complex than they need to be), breadth (good theories explain a lot of different things), and generativity (good theories stimulate research).
Specifics
- Identify and describe four ways of knowing (with science being the last).
- Identify four functions science can serve, and be able to distinguish basic research and applied research.
- Distinguish among the following terms: Variables, Hypotheses, Laws, and Theories, and discuss the criteria used to evaluate theories.
- Know the roles deductive and inductive logic play in science.
