AMI- Sci Method Lec

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe 5 different methods of acquiring knowledge

Intuition, Authority, Rationalism, Empiricism, Scientific method

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Intuition method of acquiring knowledge

Knowing because it "feels" true. Guided by our guts, our emotions, and/or our instincts. Human brains may be very good at using limited information to come to conclusions. Too much information may lead to overload.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Intuition method of acquiring knowledge, what are the benefits

Rapid results.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Intuition method of acquiring knowledge, drawbacks

Cognitive and motivational biases may lead to incorrect assumptions.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Authority method of acquiring knowledge

Knowing because an authority figure (parents, the media, doctors) say it's true.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Authority method of acquiring knowledge, what are the benefits

Saves time since don't need to independently research.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Authority method of acquiring knowledge, drawbacks

Authority figures can't always be trusted. Good to evaluate authority figures' credentials, methods and potential biases.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Rationalism method of acquiring knowledge

Philosophical theory - belief in innate ideas, reason, and deduction. Using logic and reasoning to know what is true. Depending on situation clues, a conclusion is reached that satisfies all aspects of the statement.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Rationalism method of acquiring knowledge, what are the advantages

Clear rules and process.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Rationalism method of acquiring knowledge, drawbacks

If the premises are wrong or there is an error in logic then the conclusion will not be valid.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Empiricism method of acquiring knowledge

Philosophical theory - belief in sense perception, induction (not so much innate ideas). Acquiring knowledge through observation and experience.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Empiricism method of acquiring knowledge, what are the benefits

Incorporates world outside our heads.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Empiricism method of acquiring knowledge, drawbacks

Illusions can trick our senses and biases can color perception.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe the classic battle of the philosophical schools

They seem to contract each other and the scientific method contains both.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Rationalism in the classic battle of the philosophical schools

All truth can be deduced by logic. Reality is in our minds and physical world decipherable logically. Observation fraught with uncertainty since humans have fallible senses. Mathematics is the tool of deciphering the Universe.

Methods of acquiring knowledge, Describe Empiricism in the classic battle of the philosophical schools

The senses determine truth. Reality and truth determined by measurement with physical tools and our senses. Many seemingly logical things are subject to unseen influences. Only by actual measurement can we seek the truth.

Scientific method, What does the scientific method combine?

Combines elements of the other 4 ways of knowing!

Scientific method, How do scientists generate new ideas?

Use intuition, authority, rationalism, and empiricism.

Scientific method, What does the scientific method use to make observations under controlled conditions to test ideas?

Use systematic empiricism.

Scientific method, What does the scientific method use to arrive at valid conclusions?

Use rationalism.

Scientific method, What are the benefits of the scientific method?

It is the most likely of all the methods to produce valid knowledge.

Scientific method, What are the drawbacks of the scientific method?

Requires time and resources. Only works on empirical questions.

Features of the scientific method, What is the first feature of the scientific method?

Uses systematic empiricism.

Features of the scientific method, What does systematic empiricism mean?

Observing natural world in organized way. Insistence on checking ideas against observations.

Features of the scientific method, What is the second feature of the scientific method?

Concerned with empirical questions.

Features of the scientific method, What are empirical questions?

Questions about how the world is that can be answered through observation. Not concerned with ethical or artistic questions – which are also important.

Features of the scientific method, What does science tell us about declawing cats?

Science can tell us about health outcomes from declawing cats but not if it is the "right" thing to do.

Features of the scientific method, What is the third feature of the scientific method?

Creates public knowledge – Scientific Publication.

Features of the scientific method, What does scientific publication do?

Puts research question in context. Describes methods. Presents results and conclusions. Allows exchange of ideas with researchers/stakeholders. Allows science to be self- correcting – peer review, retractions.

Features of the scientific method, What does scientific knowledge increasingly reflect over time?

Hopefully, over time, scientific knowledge increasingly reflects the way the world is.

Steps of the scientific process, What are the steps of the scientific process?

Identify something interesting, Develop hypothesis, Design a study, Collect data, Analyze data, Synthesize findings, Tell others.

Steps of the scientific process, What is a hypothesis?

A specific prediction based upon a theory. Not always stated in papers (but should be).

Steps of the scientific process, What is a research objective?

An answer to a question, development or refinement of a theory.

Steps of the scientific process, In the declawed cats study, what were the purposes of the study?

1) to determine if there was an association between the surgical procedure of declawing a cat and biting behavior, aggression, inappropriate elimination, back pain and barbering; 2) to determine the prevalence of P3 fragments remaining after declaw surgery; and 3) to determine if P3 fragments were associated with [negative outcomes] compared with declawed cats without P3 fragments.

Steps of the scientific process, In the declawed cats study, how was the study designed?

Compared health records of 137 declawed and 137 non-declawed cats. All declawed cats were radiographed to look for bone fragments. Looked for indications of pain - inappropriate elimination and biting.

Steps of the scientific process, In the declawed cats study, how was data analyzed?

Compared outcomes between groups using x2 analysis and two sample t-tests. Declawed cats were more likely to show signs of pain. 63% showed radiographic evidence of residual bone fragments. Declawed cats with residual bone fragments had worse health outcomes than those without.

Steps of the scientific process, In the declawed cats study, how were findings synthesized and told to others?

Translate numbers and graphs into words. Revise words into logical written prose. Write the paper. Incorporate feedback. Publish the paper (more feedback). Influence – 67 citations since 2017. 10 in the past year!

Steps of the scientific process, What were the main conclusions of the declawed cats study?

Declawing cats increases risk of unwanted behaviors. Evidence of inadequate surgical technique was common and this increased negative outcomes. Even with optimal surgical the risk of bad behaviors increased.

Characteristics of a good scientist, What are the characteristics of a good scientist?

Curiosity, Imagination, Independence. Do NOT need to be a genius!

Characteristics of a good scientist, What are the "social" skills of good scientists?

Writing, Public speaking, Team work, Cooperation. These are all things you will practice in ABI50A.

Why is the scientific method important, What are examples of scientific disciplines?

Medicine (human or animal), Astrophysics, Agriculture.

Why is the scientific method important, What do all scientists use to advance their knowledge and understanding?

All use same process to advance their knowledge and understanding.

Why is the scientific method important, What is useful as an ABI student?

As an ABI student you are choosing to partially major in science – which is useful!