What is Science? Part II

After the assigned reading and reviewing the slides, you should be able to discuss: What is applied vs. basic research and what is the controversy? Compare experimental, non-experimental & theoretical research. Is all research hypothesis-driven? Why do you think different research venues have different goals/products? How do the different scientific explanations differ? What are components of an “If… then…” hypothesis statement?

Applied vs. Basic Research These were the slides you previewed Applied vs. Basic Research What is applied and basic research? At the extremes: Applied: uses existing info to develop techniques or prdts Basic: solely for gaining new info Note: both are based on previous info

Applied vs. Basic Research These were the slides you previewed “It has been said that scientific research of a basic nature is concerned primarily with description and explanation, while applied research focuses on prediction and control.” Valiela “Basic research (sometimes called pure science) is driven by the curiosity of the scientist, who simply wants to learn more about a particular phenomenon. Applied research, on the other hand, is done to solve a specific problem and often leads to new or improved technology, which is the practical application of scientific knowledge.” Lee

Applied vs. Basic Research These were the slides you previewed Applied vs. Basic Research “Basic and applied research are intertwined… Whole scientific disciplines are organized around applied research [e.g. engineering, agronomy…]” Lee

Applied vs. Basic Research These were the slides you previewed Applied vs. Basic Research “There is still a remnant prejudice… that the basic aspects are more demanding, or somehow more meritorious… Such attitudes ignore the history of science…Distinctions between basic and applied science are therefore more blurred and more damaging than we might think. Creative applied science dovetails with, and stimulates basic science, since it both applies general principles and provides new questions and tests of basic principles. Moreover, if science is to maintain the public support essential for sustaining institutions that support science … it needs to make evident how it helps solve important applied problems.” Valiela

Applied vs. Basic Research These were the slides you previewed Applied vs. Basic Research “Politicians and others sometimes suggest that all of our scientific research should be directed at solving important problems rather than satisfying scientific curiosity. Most scientists disagree… The problem is that no one can predict which research areas will lead to useful applications…. Early in the nineteenth century, for example, few people could see any practical use for electricity” Lee

Applied vs. Basic Research Questions Compare and contrast applied and basic research? Which is based on previous knowledge? List benefits of each approach to research. 10’

Scientific research Applied vs. Basic is one way to categorize different approaches to research. Other ways to classify research are presented on the next two slides.

Different Venues Academia Government Industry Some differences include: goals, products, justification, funding

Other categories of research… Experimental: researcher manipulates a system often changing an independent variable and measuring the resulting variation in the dependent variable. Often hypothesis-driven. Non-experimental: typically involves description and observation (e.g. surveys), may study naturally occurring variation w/o intervention by researcher, often important when a field is new Theoretical: looks at mathematical relationships that may not relate to real world. Along with experimentation can be used to make mathematical models that predict changes in biological systems. 13’ Should all research have a hypothesis it is testing?

Your topics Basic or applied, as long as gaining new info Experimental or hypothesis-driven main emphasis Not technique or product development 13’

Brainstorm in your group What are characteristics of “Good Science”? 16’

Brainstorm in your group What are characteristics of “Good Science”? From a previous list… Unbiased, objective, clear communication of concepts, well-defined terms Controlled, accuracy, repeatable, falsifiable, well-researched, specific vs. vague Quantifiable, novel, advancing, justifiable Ethical, helpful, gives appropriate credit, peer review Measurements valid & reliable, instruments accurate & precise Attitude is skeptical, Hypotheses are testable Scientific method is systematic and uses controlled observation Based on empirical data/experimentation Approach is analytical, structured Collaborative, Science involves a community of individuals that freely communicate Information open to public for scrutiny (vs. cleric, etc) Science progresses by: --Showing the repeatability of old experiments and --Performing new experiments based on previous work 16’

from homework assignment What kind of science…? Share examples of good and not so good science from the paper 26’

from “Health effect…” Discuss the question: If science is such a reliable way of “knowing”, why does science fail to yield answers sometimes? 26’

Scientists explain the world with… Hypotheses Models Theories Laws

Hypothesis or theory? Colloquial definition of a theory: “Theory refers to an untested speculation or guess, analogous to a hypothesis in scientific usage…. A theory cannot be disproved by a single experiment, as can a hypothesis.” Ambrose et al

Hypothesis tentative explanation for observations based on previous knowledge Theory widely accepted explanation supported by experiments; applies to a variety of situations; relates facts once thought to be unrelated, used to predict new hypotheses Law universally accepted; all encompassing; withstands all tests to disprove it

Hypotheses must be testable Concepts must be adequately defined The explanation must relate to natural forces When written as an “if… then” statement, the if is the explanation followed by the prediction which defines an experiment

What do you think of the mechanics hypothesis? 42’

Theories to be useful… Consistent & clearly defined Unifying Able to make predictions Are not static but are not thrown out by single experiment

BIOLOGICAL THEORIES Name Explanation Cell All living things are composed of cells Evolution All living things have changed (and continue to change) as the environment around them has changed Biogenesis   Life comes from life Gene theory Each form of life has info in the form of DNA that controls their form & function

Models/Paradigms tentative ways to organize information to formulate hypotheses Models can also be: physical objects animal/cell systems mathematical/computer simulations

Scientific & Biological Research Characterized by its contribution of new information to the field (e.g. biological research) Investigates the natural world Scientific knowledge changes as new information is collected Proof is not possible in biology (too many possible explanations) Review the list of characteristics of good science which are goals of the scientific community, but like all human endeavors, are not reached in every instance… (a good segue into the next topic: Asking Questions) 48’

Questions?

Discussion Science & Public opinion Anfinsen questions Does science influence public opinion? What can change their mind? Anfinsen questions Misconceptions about Evolution

Evolution Readings quiz Participation Quiz Answer based on what was stated in the reading What example was given of when faith and science conflict? The first misconception states: ‘Evolution is a theory about ____” Fill in the blank. Evolution is considered a ____ . Select hypothesis, theory, law.

Evolution Readings quiz Participation Quiz Answers Answer based on what was stated in the reading What example was given of when faith and science conflict? Creation of Earth The first misconception states: ‘Evolution is a theory about ____” Fill in the blank. Origin of Life Evolution is considered a ____ . Select hypothesis, theory, law. Theory

Evolution discussion 1. What can one do if a scientific principle and religious belief conflict? Consider the following choices: Which do you prefer and why? Suggest modifications if you think they could be improved. Tell others that they should trust your logic because scientists can prove their theories without a shadow of a doubt. Convince others of your religious belief by using coercion or manipulation. Ignore scientific evidence and try to undermine it with anything you can find that might suggest a weakness in the evidence. Ignore everything someone says if they have any religious affiliation. In some cases, accept that the two are in conflict and use good judgement that may include moral judgement, logical thinking and discernment regarding in which situations to emphasize which.

Evolution discussion 2. Belief vs Evidence-based knowledge Since science is not a belief system and belief systems do not follow the scientific method, the two ‘ways of knowing’ use different approaches and different terminology. For example, what is wrong with the following statement: “I believe in evolution.”