Scientific Thinking and The Scientific Method

Evidence that is susceptible to one's senses and can be understood by other people.

Scientists and Critical thinkers use only this evidence to sound vital conclusions.

Emperical evidence is preferred to all the other types of evidence

Possessing a skeptical attitude by constant questioning of one's beliefs and conclusions

The use of logical arguments by scientists and critical thinkers.

It is a complex method which is not easily learned.

Main topic

Experimentation

The researcher manipulates a variable to see if a change would be produced in the other variable

The variable which can be manipulated is known as the independent variable

The variable which cannot be manipulated is known as the dependent variable

The test must be carried out under highly controlled conditions

Correlation

Designed to determine the degree and direction of a relationship between two or more variables

It is a non-experimental, descriptive method

A type of science which cannot be falsified

A type of science that can be falsified

Naturalistic Observation

A researcher observes a natural behaviour or phenomenon very carefully

Sometimes takes place over a prolonged period of time

Non-experimental method of observation

Involves an in-depth descriptive record

Carried out by an outside observer

The outside observer is usually an individual or a group of individuals

It is a non-experimental, descriptive method

Inferences about a certain behaviour are made from data collected via interviews or questionairres

It is a non-experimental, descriptive method

Meaningless science