Science is often complex- it involves components and
sub-components. Science encompasses at least three general areas: scientific
cognition, scientific literacy (general scientific knowledge) and domain
specific science. Scientific processes are not algorithmic- processes do not involve precise steps producing precise outcomes. The procedures,
inferences and model constructions vary tremendously. Below are links to articles
that involve exploration of the vast domain of science.
Science is broad; it
consists of many components and sub-components. Discussions regarding science
are sometimes short-circuited by discussing a single component. These types of
discussions oversimplify the wide range of science, its development, and
implications. A full appreciation of science requires much more than a focus on
a singular element. Skepticism is an element of a scientific attitude and is
important, but a skeptical attitude alone—without other cognitive skills and
knowledge—doesn’t make one a scientific thinker. Science is all about skepticism,
so say the popularizers of science. Skepticism is important, but without the
knowledge and appropriate skills, this characteristic will not make one a
scientific thinker. Science is hard. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Things
should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler.” https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/science-the-vast-enterprise/
When discussing
research methodology, it is important to distinguish between applied and basic research. Applied research examines a specific set of circumstances, and its
ultimate goal is relating the results to a particular situation. That is,
applied research uses the data directly for everyday application. https://psychcentral.com/blog/understanding-research-methodology-5-applied-and-basic-research/
It is common for
popular science articles and books to misrepresent science, a practice that
isn’t limited to popular publications. Textbooks, peer reviewed publications,
and college courses sometimes promote misinformation. To avoid being
bamboozled, think for yourself or go to the source and evaluate the evidence for yourself. Science is hard;
methods and statistics used within and between scientific domains vary greatly.
A brief look at a paper’s abstract is often done when people evaluate studies,
reviews, or research reports. Sometimes this is enough to get a general
overview, or at least to gather the information one is looking for. However,
sometimes a thorough read and investigation of the paper is appropriate.
Evaluating a paper—and determining its level of validity (and different types
of validity) and reliability—is cognitively demanding. With a little education,
including the appropriate mindware, a general understanding of popular science
and scholarly science is attainable. https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/scientific-mindware/
The
general public has expressed strong confidence and trust in science (Sloss
& Hale, Working Paper). Opinion polls indicate science careers are rated
among the most admired and trusted occupations, despite their limitations.
If you ask most people they will probably agree that science education is
important. American kids don’t perform well on some international science
tests, and performance gets even worse as they grow into teenagers. https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/rethinking-science-education/