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TEACHING SCIENTIFIC METHOD

TEACHING SCIENTIFIC METHOD Article II: Problems for Developing Skill in Scientific Thinking BY ELLIOT R. DOWNING The University of Chicago When we speak of the method of the scientist we usually have in mind that method by means of which noted scientists have discovered the laws of sciencethe inductive method of thinking. Confronted with a problematic situation it is recognized as such and the problem is clearly defined. Then the salient elements of the problem are selected, facts collected that bear upon them and these are studied to see if they will suggest any tentative theory to account for the phenomena observed. An hypothesis once formulated is tested by observation or by experiment, if possible, otherwise by inference to see if it will stand up under the test. If not another hypothesis must be sought and tested. On the basis of all the facts disclosed one reasons to a more or less correct judgment as to the causal relations that exist. An excellent illustration of this type of procedure is seen in Kepler’s (1571-1630) discovery of his laws. The motive for the attack on his problem was his desire to give help in a very practical matter. If one could foretell http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png School Science and Mathematics Wiley

TEACHING SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Downing, Elliot R.
School Science and Mathematics , Volume 34 (4) – Apr 1, 1934
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Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
1934 School Science and Mathematics Association
ISSN
0036-6803
eISSN
1949-8594
DOI
10.1111/j.1949-8594.1934.tb10754.x
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Article II: Problems for Developing Skill in Scientific Thinking BY ELLIOT R. DOWNING The University of Chicago When we speak of the method of the scientist we usually have in mind that method by means of which noted scientists have discovered the laws of sciencethe inductive method of thinking. Confronted with a problematic situation it is recognized as such and the problem is clearly defined. Then the salient elements of the problem are selected, facts collected that bear upon them and these are studied to see if they will suggest any tentative theory to account for the phenomena observed. An hypothesis once formulated is tested by observation or by experiment, if possible, otherwise by inference to see if it will stand up under the test. If not another hypothesis must be sought and tested. On the basis of all the facts disclosed one reasons to a more or less correct judgment as to the causal relations that exist. An excellent illustration of this type of procedure is seen in Kepler’s (1571-1630) discovery of his laws. The motive for the attack on his problem was his desire to give help in a very practical matter. If one could foretell

Journal

School Science and Mathematics – Wiley

Published: Apr 1, 1934

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