1-A-What Is Science
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Jessica Nguyen1-A-What Is Science
Uploaded by
Jessica NguyenCLINICAL PERSPECTIVES ON
ANXIETY, MOOD AND STRESS
GENS 0005
LECTURE TOPIC ONE (A): WHAT IS
SCIENCE?
DR. JOSHUA M. BRODERICK
What is science?
It is a standardised approach of collecting and gathering information observable
data
and answering simple and complex questions in a manner such that
errors and biases are minimised there is always errors and biases but science try to minimised them
It is a specific process
It is a tool, a method to help us to understand the world and ourselves
It minimises bias and error, but does not eradicate it (it is a cultural
affair)
Above all else, it is fun
Myths about science
Science provides absolute proof (i.e. facts)
support theory, never prove! but, you can come
close (the probability that the theory is correct becomes
higher as the evidence supporting it increases over time)
try to support theory underdeveloped, however, it does
not mean the theory is accapted as a facts.
Science is not creative yes it is!
Science is about being mistrustful of other nonscientific ideas science is sceptical, not cynical!
Science claims to have all the answers, right
now think of it as an ongoing process!
Science is difficult to learn it requires patience,
dedication, and interest
Scientists are always making breakthroughs
scientific advance is slow
hoi nghi
science not claims to have all the answers right now.
Scientific Process
(Dwarfs standing on the shoulders of giants - Latin: nanos gigantum humeris insidentes)
What is science?
Science relies upon observable data to test out theories
things we can't see and observe are quite open to interpret and argument
Hard sciences natural sciences (more certain, less complex)
Biology
Physics
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Soft sciences social sciences (less certain, more complex)
Social psychology
Clinical psychology
Social science
Economics
What is the process of science? What is the scientific method?
research questions. look at what people observe in the past and develop your own theory/believe. from that
Theory (research questions) guide
theory develop question what u want to test
- specific prediction about what gonna occur when u conduct ur experiement. collect
Hypothesis/collecting data (experiments) data
and conduct experiement to test out hypothesis
Analysing the data (checking results)
Interpreting
the results
from what u observe
Updating the theory
Testing new ideas
base on the interpretation, might change the theory completely,
updating the theory
What is a theory?
A theory is a set of principles that explains and predict
certain phenomena
A theory is constantly subject to testing, modification, and
refutation as new evidence and ideas emerge
To be accepted a theory must be well-substantiated
come from the hypothesis testing experimentation.
theory generally
theory never get to the point where it is considered to be absolutely proved rather a theory's continued to develop and accumulate or not accumulate evidence supported to a point might be accepted
That is, multiple experiments and observations supporting the
theory
E.g., Theory of global warming
Great barrier reef change
Measurement of sea temperature
Melting ice caps
Rising sea levels
Measuring carbon dioxide in the air
Different experiments whose evidence supports the theory of
global warming
What is also important is that the theory can be shown to be
incorrect through the collection of data
Attachment Theory
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is making a prediction that can be tested in
the real world
The behaviour or outcome the scientist is interested in
must be measurable (i.e. observable)
Based on the theory a scientist is testing the theory leads
them to predict something, given that the theory is correct
It is not a question, it is a statement
All hypotheses must be testable, replicable and falsifiable
(able to be shown to be incorrect)
Falsifiability is the possibility that an assertion can be
shown false by an observation or experiment
What is a hypothesis?
Theory: Earth revolves around the sun in a particular direction
Hypothesis: The Sun will rise in the East every morning
If the theory is correct there are going to be potentially infinite numbers of ways to
demonstrate evidence for it (hence, we see how science is like an art. A scientist
must be creative in designing ways to test their theory)
