The Nature of Science

Flashcards about the nature of science, covering distinguishing features, non-distinguishing features, common myths, and pedagogical considerations.

Nature of Science (NOS)

Values and assumptions inherent to science.

Empirical Evidence demands

Science is derived from, and guided by, observation or experiment.

Testability/Falsifiability

Only ideas that are potentially falsifiable are scientific ideas.

Repeatability

Scientific claims should be able to be reproduced.

Tentative and Developmental Nature

Science is subject to change and development over time.

Self-Correcting

Science has the capacity to correct its own errors and misconceptions

Competition among Hypotheses/Theories

Scientific progress is spurred by the creation and competition of different hypotheses and theories.

Interpretation Variance

Different scientists may interpret the same experimental data differently.

Limits of Science

Science cannot answer moral, ethical, aesthetic, social, and metaphysical questions.

Social Activity

Science both influences and is influenced by society and people’s values.

Contributors to Exploration

Logic, imagination, curiosity, and serendipity play a role in scientific exploration.

Myth 1: Universal Scientific Method Exists

Myth: A fixed sequence of steps that all scientists follow.

Myth 2: Hypothesis as Educated Guess

Myth: An initial, speculative proposal awaiting validation.

Myth 3: Hypotheses Become Theories, Theories Become Laws

Myth: A progression of scientific knowledge from initial idea to established fact.

Myth 4: Science as a Solitary Pursuit

Myth: Scientific discoveries are typically made by individual researchers working alone.

Pedagogical Consideration

Explicitly teaching NOS alongside activities is necessary for student understanding.