Research Article

The article I chose is the Key to Teaching the Nature of Science by William F. McComas. This article talks about the  Nine core Nature of Science (NOS) Ideas. I have listed them below:

  • Science demands and relies on empirical evidence
    • Science should required data which is reviewed by others. This data should justify all final conclusions.
    • Ideas begin as "exploratory notions" 
      • Can not be dismissed immediately unless there is significant evidence stating otherwise.
    • "The requirement for empirical evidence is accompanied by the caution that not all evidence is gained through experimental means, although that is frequently called the "gold standard" of science". 
    • Science relies on basic observations
    • Scientists use a combination of methods such as:
      • historical
      • observational
      • experimental
    • Science is and must remain an "empirical data-driven pursuit.

  • Knowledge production in science includes many common features and shared habits of mind. However, in spite of such commonalities there is no single step-by-step scientific method by which all science is done.
    • Logical reasoning and data collection are essential to science
      • However, there is no universal way
    • "Studies of scientists at work reveal many idiosyncratic ways of approaching research and even coming up with research in the first place"

  • Scientific knowledge is tentative but durable. This means that science cannot prove anything because the problem of induction makes "proof; impossible, but scientific conclusions are still valuable and long lasting because if the way that knowledge eventually comes to be accepted in science". 
    • `"Induction is the knowledge generation process by which individual data points related to the problem or phenomenon are gathered until a general trend, principle or law emerges from this mass of data" 
    • Prediction and deduction are essentials, as they are used to determine the validity of the  conclusion. 
      • There is no way to determine whether the statement is true, only time can tell.

  • Laws and theories are related but distinct kinds of scientific knowledge.
    • Misconception: Science is laws of mature theories and laws are more valuable than these theories.
      • Laws and theories are equally important
    • Laws: generalizations or patterns in nature
    • Theories: explanations for why laws hold

  • Science is a highly creative endeavor
    • Scientists agree that their work is creative
      • inspiration leads to the creation of science
    • We have to teach students that science is not just facts
      • they should explore the world of science
        • Studies show that students will reject the field of science  as a career because they had no opportunity to explore or see the creativity it implies 

  • Science has a subjective element
    • Science is subjective
      • People respond and evaluate data in different ways
    • Therefore, ideas, data and conclusions must be peer reviewed in order to be published
      • Acts as a checks and balances system

  • There are historical, cultural and social influence on science
    • Research may favor certain aspects or these aspects may favor certain research 
      • May be controversial 
      • These aspects may impede or support the research

  • Science and technology impact each other, but they are not the same
    • Topics are technological in nature or scientific in nature
      • Technological topics are often "applied science"
      • Science in natural are "pure science"

  • Science and its methods cannot answer all questions
    • There are limits to science
      • can not explain the opinions of people
    • Avoid the common but false idea that science and religion are at war
    • Important: Science cannot and should not answer all questions

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