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Jan 9, 2024
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Using the Scientific Method to Challenge Our Thinking
Ruiz, Luis
Colorado State University Global
Hum 101- Critical Reasoning
Dr. John Battaglia
March 27, 2022
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Using the Scientific Method to Challenge Our Thinking
What is the scientific method? How is it used in today's society? These questions are
significant when it comes down to which method is being used to develop a hypothesis and test it
to construct a theory ultimately. Beyond science, those who focus on logic and philosophy turn
to the scientific method to better develop their critical thinking skills (Nardi, 2017). The
foundation of the scientific method is the creation of a hypothesis and testing it, deductive and
inductive logic, understanding beliefs and limits, and ultimately aligning ourselves with as many
principles critical thinkers use. Having a base in logic will allow one to understand the world
around them.
Science involves logical explanation, prediction, and control of empirical phenomena
rationally. The concept of reasoning applicable to the pursuit of this endeavor is referred to as
scientific reasoning. They include hypothesis testing, experimental design, and data
interpretation (Lau & Chan, 2021). Scientific reasoning plays a tremendous role in all types of
scientific study, not just for institutional research. However, the same principles scientists use in
their studies can be very beneficial in our everyday life. The use of sound reasoning plays a vital
role in making decisions in our career, investments, and health.
Under the scientific method, Lan & Chan (2017) identify six criteria that can be
leveraged to develop a better idea.
1.
Consistency With Observation – Are the facts and observations consistent with
relevant theories.
2.
Predictive Power – A theory in its hypothesis must generate a prediction.
3.
Mechanism – Theories should clarify mechanisms by explaining the connection
between events.
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4.
Fruitfulness – Theories may reveal unknown predictions that may highlight other
connections.
5.
Simplicity – Simple theories are better and feasible; little to no assumptions are vital
for experimentation and testing.
6.
Coherence – Logical consistency is paramount.
While in the scientific spectrum or our day-to-day life, we are tasked to choose between
different explanations or theories; by using these six steps, we can make a sounder
decision on what to accept.
Assumptions and Inferences
Like all human beings, I sometimes make assumptions or inferences based on
incorrect data or even when there is a lack of evidence. The most significant assumption
I've made was with COVID-19. At the onset of the pandemic, lots of information was
being shared to inform the public. Depending on which news channel you watched, it was
either the worse thing since the Spanish Flu or simply a common virus. The President at
the time developed a task force comprised of Scientists, Epidemiologists, and the US
Surgeon General. This task force's primary duty was to provide the most accurate
information to the public and the President so he could make informed decisions on how
to proceed with the management of this virus. As the virus quickly spread across the
world, it was decided that we would be on lockdown for three weeks which was then
extended several times. During this time, masks were mandated, only essential businesses
were allowed to be open, and consumers were limited to buying a maximum number of
items at a time.
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I was highly skeptical of all these mandates; my thoughts were that this virus was
nothing more than the flu. I couldn't understand how a virus could quickly impact the
entire world so soon as if we had not had a virus outbreak before. Since this virus was
affecting countries worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) was a crucial
stakeholder in managing this virus. With the number of people contracting this virus
rising throughout the world and no one in my family or close to me had contracted this
virus, I thought we were extremely lucky, or my assumptions were valid. However, after
months of isolation and following all the mandates set forth by our President, we decided
to go Christmas shopping. We were cautious during this trip, but little did we know we
had gotten exposed, and this decision would smash my assumptions of this virus head-on.
The following day, I was feeling a little bit under the weather.
When I start to feel sick, I have a routine of boosting my immune system by
taking extra vitamins, drinking lots of fluids, and resting as much as possible. Typically,
this routine reverses any symptoms that may be coming on due to an illness, but this time
was different. I assumed that I caught a simple cold and would be fine in a day. After 24
hours of my routine, I knew this was different. My body aches were more intense than
usual, breathing became more strenuous, and my inability to taste or smell made me
second guess my assumptions about this virus. Over the next three days, with no
improvements, I decided it was time to get tested, and the test came back positive. My
mind completely changed. Although the common cold and COVID-19 have similar
symptoms, COVID-19 attacks more the respiratory system (WHO, 2021). This was the
big difference between this virus and other viruses because our healthcare system was not
built to meet an influx of patients who may require respiratory assistance or enough
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ventilators to meet those needs. In addition to staff and ventilators, the length of time one
would require this resource was hard to predict.
Improving Critical Reasoning
Critical thinking is simply analyzing facts or evidence to form a judgment. It's
clear and responsible. It involves questioning everything, removing biases and
assumptions, and being skeptical rather than just accepting what you hear or read.
Although in my case, my assumptions ran rampant with COVID-19, I was caught up with
simply closing my mind off and not questioning my assumptions which could have led
me to a more dire situation.
Conclusion
The scientific method is a vital science component; the same can be said when
referring to critical thinking. With an emphasis on logic and logic being the foundation
for a reason, it is evident that this method can be beneficial to critical thinkers. Therefore,
as I work to be a better critical thinker, I must put aside biases and assumptions, question
information, and focus on logic to better analyze every decision I make.
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References
Lau, J., & Chan, J. (2017).
Scientific methodology: Tutorials 1-9
.
https://philosophy.hku.hk/think/sci/
Nardi, P. M. (2017). Critical Thinking: Tools for Evaluating Research. United States:
University of California Press.
WHO. (2021). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Similarities and differences with
influenza.Www.who.int.https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-
coronavirus2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-
covid-19-similarities-anddiff
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