Overview
This lecture covers the scientific method, its definitions, key steps, and how hypotheses, theories, and scientific facts are established and tested in science.
Definitions of Science
- Science is both a body of knowledge (e.g., mineralogy) and a process for gaining new knowledge.
- The process of science involves observation, measurement, and experimentation—known as the scientific method.
The Scientific Method: Steps and Application
- The scientific method starts with raw observations that lead to questions.
- Patterns in observations are used to form hypotheses (educated statements explaining the phenomena).
- Hypotheses must be based on observation/knowledge and must be testable by everyone.
- Subjective or untestable claims (e.g., ghosts, personal taste) cannot be addressed by science.
- Hypotheses are tested through experiments or further observations.
- A valid test attempts to falsify (prove false) the hypothesis.
- If data contradicts the hypothesis, it must be rejected or modified.
- Example: The hypothesis "all reptiles have two pairs of holes behind their eye orbits" is falsified by finding sea turtles with none.
Interpreting and Updating Scientific Claims
- Hypotheses not falsified remain tentatively accepted with varying confidence levels.
- Scientific proof is unattainable; new evidence can always falsify accepted ideas.
- Ideas with overwhelming support become scientific facts.
- Well-tested, widely accepted hypotheses may become scientific theories.
- Scientific theories are consistent with data and other theories, explain phenomena, and make testable predictions.
- Scientific laws are mostly mathematical expressions of scientific theories; the term is rarely used today.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Scientific Method — a process for acquiring knowledge through observation, hypotheses, experimentation, and analysis.
- Hypothesis — an educated, testable explanation for an observed phenomenon.
- Falsification — subjecting a hypothesis to testing where it could be proven wrong.
- Scientific Theory — a well-supported, widely accepted explanation for phenomena, based on rigorous evidence.
- Scientific Fact — an idea so well supported that rejecting it is unreasonable at present.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the steps of the scientific method provided in the lecture.
- Contact the instructor with any questions about the material covered.