SCIENTIFIC METHOD

The Scientific Method 1. Observe an event. 2. Develop a model (or hypothesis) which makes a prediction. 3. Test the prediction. 4. Observe the result. 5. Revise the hypothesis. 6. Repeat as needed. 7. A successful hypothesis becomes a Scientific Theory. model test

Medical Science Scientific MethodHigh Cholesterol ObservationPatient has high cholesterol Hypothesis (prediction) Certain chemicals may dissolve cholesterol deposits. TestGive 100 patients these chemicals, give 100 patients placebo. Observe resultSame number lower their cholesterol as placebo patients. Revise hypothesis?Try different combo of chemicals. New test?Re-run medical test. Observe results. Scientific TheoryLipitor reduces cholesterol.

Everyday Science Scientific MethodCar Repair ObservationEngine won’t turn over. Hypothesis (prediction)Predict battery is dead. TestReplace battery. Observe resultEngine now turns over. Revise hypothesis?Not needed. New test?Not needed. Scientific TheoryCars won’t work without a fully charged battery.

Everyday Science Scientific MethodMaking Spaghetti Sauce ObservationSpaghetti sauce should be red. Hypothesis (prediction)Try a tomato sauce. TestHeat pot of tomato sauce. Observe resultTaste the sauce - bland. Revise hypothesis?Use tomato sauce and garlic! New test?Add garlic, taste - not so bland. Scientific TheoryThe Final Recipe.

Food Science  Throwing something together  Hypothesis  Your grandmother’s time-tested recipe  Scientific Theory.

Repeatability  A successful theory is repeatable.  By you.  By anyone.  Examples:  Cold Fusion (1989) refers to nuclear fusion of atoms at conditions close to room temperature  Ecstasy (Science, 2003) psychology and cognitive therapy, have suggested MDMA might have therapeutic benefits and facilitate therapy sessions in certain individuals. Clinical trials are now testing the therapeutic potential of MDMA for PTSD and anxiety associated with terminal cancer. [

Requirements  Objective reality  We all see the same world.  Constant Laws of Nature  What happens here, happens there.  What happened yesterday will happen tomorrow.  The Cosmos is knowable.

Does it work?  Scientific Method is a tool.  Does this tool work?  Life expectancy  Mortality rates  Are there better tools?

THEORY VS. LAW

Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law  A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for an event or process which is built with limited information, and is testable.  A theory or law in the world of science is a hypothesis, or many hypotheses, which have undergone rigorous tests and have never been disproved.  There is no set number of tests or a set length of time in which a hypothesis can become a theory or a law.  A hypothesis becomes a theory or law when it is the general consensus of the scientific community that it should be so. Theories and laws are not as easily discarded as hypotheses.

Theories  So: a theory is a highly successful hypothesis.  All hypotheses make predictions.  All theories make predictions.  All theories can be tested.  Result: Any scientific theory is subject to change as our ability to make tests, or make observations of a test’s results, improves with time.

Non-scientific Theories  Make no predictions  Un-testable  Can’t be falsified

Non-scientific Theories  Car won’t work?  Aliens drained the battery.  Spaghetti is bland?  You were meant to eat bland food.  Car won’t work?  Gods must be angry.  Spaghetti is bland?  At the instant of tasting, tongue is transported to alternate dimension where all flavors are rendered nullified. Happens instantaneously.