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THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Chapter 14 Empirical Reasoning

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Learning Outcomes Explain empirical reasoning and how it works as a self-corrective process Apply empirical reasoning correctly Describe the uses, benefits, and risks of empirical reasoning

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Chapter Opening Video

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Recognizing Empirical Reasoning Characteristics of empirical reasoning Hypotheses, conditions, and measurable manifestations

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Characteristics of Empirical Reasoning Empirical reasoning –Inductive –Self-corrective –Open to scrutiny and independent verification

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Empirical Reasoning or Bottom-Up Thinking

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Hypotheses, Conditions, and Measurable Manifestations Hypothesis can be expressed as a supposition or a general statement Null hypothesis: Two phenomena are entirely unrelated except by random chance Empirical reasoning arguments describe states of affairs created experimentally or measured in natural settings

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Conducting an Investigation Scientifically Steps in the process - An extended example Evaluating empirical reasoning

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Steps in the Process - An Extended Example Identify a problem of significance Form a hypothesis Review the scientific literature Identify all factors related to the hypothesis and the phenomenon of interest

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Steps in the Process - An Extended Example Make each factor measurable Ensure that the experimental conditions can be met

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Steps in the Process - An Extended Example Design a procedure Run a pilot study Conduct the study/experiment and gather the data Conduct appropriate analyses of the data Interpret the findings and discuss their significance

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Steps in the Process - An Extended Example Critique the findings Publish the research Design a follow up study

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Evaluating Empirical Reasoning Tests to determine the worthiness of an argument –Truthfulness of the premises –Test for logical strength –Test of relevancy and test of non-circularity –Peer review

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Benefits and Risks Associated with Empirical Reasoning Used when an individual wants to explain, predict or control what happens –Accurate predictions enable people to anticipate what is likely to happen under certain conditions Can be complicated, errors can occur –Confirmatory findings support a hypothesis

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Benefits and Risks Associated with Empirical Reasoning Group endeavors - Empirical investigation, and the application of critical thinking skills and habits of mind to scientific inquiry Empirical reasoning self-monitors and self- corrects through independent inquiry

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Discussion Question “Science is a way to keep from fooling ourselves -- and each other” - Anne Druyan, Executive Producer, & Steven Soter, Astrophysicist –What are they referring to? Give an example

© 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. THINK CRITICALLY, FACIONE & GITTENS Sketchnote Video