The word science is derived from a latin word scientia
meaning an organized body of theoretical knowledge. Giving a precise definition of science is
difficult as there is little consensus in the scientific community as to what
that definition should be. When
discussing science what is often discussed are products of science or
scientific methodology. That is, making
use of scientific findings (scientific products). Even though this description provides part of
the picture it is an incomplete description regarding the enormous enterprise
of science. Science in various contexts has huge implications and a
comprehensive study should be approached using a multi-disciplinary approach. A comprehensive understanding of the
implications of science requires more than the procedural skills to conduct
research. Acquiring general or domain specific knowledge or citing studies is
important, but doesn't indicate scientific cognition, or a comprehensive
understanding of science.
Project: thinking about science involves pilot
studies, assessments, a wide range of samples, full studies, scale design, univariate,
bivariate and multivariate stats. The
project is a long term commitment with an emphasis on examining the association
among various measures of science and finding predictors that may be useful
regarding scientific achievement in an array of domains. Science is hard
work. The project will involve a number
of people from various disciplines.
Scientific
literacy vs. Scientific cognition (thinking, reasoning)
Scientific literacy has been conceptualized in various ways (see; Norris & Phillips,
2002). Examples include understanding
science and its applications, knowledge of what counts as science, knowledge of
risks and benefits of science, etc. In
the current research scientific literacy is synonymous with general scientific
knowledge that involves various domains.
This form of literacy is sometimes referred to as derived scientific
literacy. Scientific cognition is not
the same thing as scientific literacy; it involves multiple components and
sub-components (Feist, 2006). Deanna
Kuhn asserts that the essence of scientific thinking is coordinating belief
with evidence (2001). At the very least
scientific cognition involves philosophy of science, scientific methodology,
quantitative reasoning, probabilistic reasoning and elements of deductive and
inductive logic.
Various scales have been developed to measure
scientific thinking / reasoning / cognition.
Kahan developed a scale called the Ordinary Science Intelligence Scale
(OSI_2.0, Kahan, 2014). Drummond and
Fischhoff (2015) developed the Scientific Reasoning Scale. Drummond and Fischhoff found that measures of
scientific reasoning were distinct from measures of scientific literacy. Kevin Dunbar (2000) and Zimmerman (2005) have
also conducted research on scientific thinking.
Dunbar's research mostly involves examining cognitive processes
underpinning thinking during the research process, while Zimmerman's research
is broader, examining various scales, and development patterns of scientific
thought. Fugelsang et al. (2004) have
examined strategies that scientists and non-scientists use to evaluate data
that is consistent or non-consistent with expectations.
Stage
1: Current research
Sam Sloss and I are working on a paper that involves
a large number of outcomes, including measures of general scientific knowledge,
attitudes towards science and confidence in science. The paper also involves an array of stats; univariate
and multi-variate statistical procedures are used.
The development of a new scientific literacy scale
and scientific cognition scale are also in the process. Soon, the scales will be administered, in a
pilot study, to University students.
Cronbach's alpha will be utilized once data is collected. The scale might need to be modified before using in studies.
We are in the early stages of the project and hope
to advance at moderate pace. I plan on making
progress reports consistently. In the
end my hope is that a large amount of data will be collected and can be
utilized to further advance science and provide everyone interested in science
useful information.
References available upon request
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