Case Studies in Science

These flashcards summarize key concepts and findings from various case studies in science, emphasizing the empirical, systematic, skeptical, transparent, and objective characteristics of scientific inquiry.

Galileo

Galileo demonstrated that science is empirical by dropping/rolling objects, measuring their motion, and observing that all objects accelerate at the same rate regardless of weight, relying on data rather than authority.

John Snow's cholera map

John Snow's cholera map showed that science is transparent and systematic through mapping cholera deaths, linking them to the Broad Street pump, and systematically testing his hypothesis by removing the pump handle, resulting in a drop in cases.

Hutton's objective science

James Hutton used Hadrian's Wall to illustrate that science is objective by observing the wall's slow erosion and inferring that Earth's geological changes occur over immense timescales based on evidence.

Hot Hand phenomenon

The 'hot hand' phenomenon illustrates that science is skeptical, as studies comparing basketball players' shooting streaks to chance found no significant evidence for the belief in 'hot streaks', relying instead on data.

Katherine Ralls and inbreeding

Katherine Ralls showed that science is objective by utilizing pedigree/genetic records to assess inbreeding effects on survival, which quantitatively demonstrated inbreeding depression.

Barry Marshall's ulcers research

Barry Marshall showed that science is systematic and open-minded by hypothesizing that H. pylori bacteria cause ulcers, testing his hypothesis on himself, and curing the ulcers with antibiotics, challenging prevailing medical beliefs.

Carlson study on astrology

The Carlson study of astrology exemplifies skepticism in science by testing astrologers' abilities to match charts with real people, revealing results no better than chance and exposing pseudoscience through controlled testing.

Barnum effect

The Barnum effect shows the need for skepticism in science, as people rated vague personality descriptions as accurate, highlighting the necessity of critical testing rather than relying solely on gut feelings.

Clever Hans experiments

The Clever Hans case illustrates that science is objective, as controlled tests revealed that the horse responded to trainer cues rather than performing arithmetic, demonstrating bias through careful experimental controls.

Eric Mazur's peer instruction

Eric Mazur's physics class demonstrates science as systematic and transparent by implementing peer instruction, leading to higher student scores, with results collected systematically and shared openly.