17th October 2015

Reflection

http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/observation.html

Based on the previous lesson, i have learned about observation and the importance of observation. The article above further elaborates on the importance of observation to a teacher. From what i have learned, i have concluded that observation is the contact of theory to the outside world. All observation in science is influenced by theory.

Theory rules that the observation must fit the theory according to the empiricist. Furthermore, it is also known that observation can be a useful evidence if it makes contact with a theory in some way    ( it can be a proof or as a refutation ). An observation can be used in science if the observation is reliable. It has two aspects, first being the observation must be informative enough because it serves as justification of other claims. The observation must also be justified and certifiable. These features are a must for observations to be accountable and useful contributors to knowledge.

Anyone can notice interesting features of the image, but the process is only accountable only in light of the theories that describe how the image is formed. This accountability will give its license to contribute to knowledge. In the description of observation, the results must be about the objects of the theory. Theory is said to guide the description of observations. We also learned that observations in science are theory - laden. More is described in our online discussion platform below.

http://padlet.com/norhayati_maska/NOStheoryladenobservation

Learning artifacts :-

Article : Retrieved on 17/10/2015

http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/observation.html

Photo : retrieved on 17/10/2015

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/26/0d/9b/260d9b5e3673486b78cb7949ed31ae2d.jpg

Online discussion platform : Retrieved on 17/10/2015

http://padlet.com/norhayati_maska/NOStheoryladenobservation

Photo : retrieved on 17/10/2015

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/p160kuhnandresponses-111006175904-phpapp02/95/p160-kuhn-and-his-critics-37-728.jpg?cb=1317924066

15th October 2015

Reflection

Based on the previous lesson, i learned more in detailed about the hypothetico - deductive method of confirmation the steps are as shown in the picture above. The hypothetico - deductive method is often regarded as the only ‘true’scientific research method. It fuels debates and discussions between many fields of science.We were also thought about situational conditions whereby, when an experiment is conducted, if the results are not shown according to the prediction, the problem may be because of the conditions during the experiment which is not satisfied. We were also thought to apply this in a classroom scenario where if the student does not achieve an expected mark / result, the teacher should not blame the student but scope the situation and the conditions in place which will help the student further improve.

The difference between a hypothesis was also discussed during our lesson. A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a observation or problem that can further be tested by experimentation. They are also known as educated guesses while a prediction is a guess about what might happen based on the observation. The article below also further discusses the difference between a prediction and hypothesis.

http://madaboutscience.weebly.com/prediction-vs-hypothesis.html

Furthermore, we also learned about underdetermination which is a relation between an evidence and theory. Theories are said to be underdetermined when there are plausible multiple theories that fit the facts.We also learned about the responsible aims of science with the help of the video below. We were also taught about the responsible abilities of science. This is where the empiricist gives science the aim of producing true accounts of the observable phenomena and the unobservable causes and constituents but also points of the problem of underdetermination. Agnoticism does not have the knowledge about the existence of God but it does not deny God’s existence. On the other hand, the realist claims that there is a good reason to believe in the truth of the theory that is the best causal explanation of the phenomena. Lastly, we learned about the significance of observability from the realist and empiricist view. The realist view of science is there are no sharp limiting of justification by the factor observability and they further undermine the significance of observability by pointing out that the line between what is observable and what is not is itself unclear. The empiricist view of science is that there is an obligation to explain the degree regarding the difference between evidence viewed with the unaided eye and evidence dependent on the use of instruments.



I would need help in further understanding the chapter of underdetermination which is difficult to understand because of the various terms. I will have to read up and conduct more research to further understand the chapter. I would use the knowledge given during my future teaching by scoping the conditions of the situation during a class to further improve my lesson in the future.


Learning artifacts :

Image : Retrieved on 16/10/2015

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/biznesaradrmalar-140114063947-phpapp02/95/biznes-tdqiqatlar-18-638.jpg?cb=1390432171

Article : Retrieved on 16/10/2015

http://madaboutscience.weebly.com/prediction-vs-hypothesis.html

Video : Retrieved on 16/10/2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moeaEMB8S9Q

8th October 2015

Reflection

From the previous lesson, I have learned about confirmation and how to describe confirmation. A scientific explanation or finding can be learned through a scientific enquiry method. A scientific enquiry method is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments. The steps in a scientific enquiry method is : -

• Identification and Definition of the Problem
•  Formulation of the Hypothesis
• Collection, Organization and Analysis of Data
• Formulation of Conclusion
• Verification, Rejection or Modification of Hypothesis by the test of its consequences in a specific situation

The steps in a scientific enquiry method is also as shown below in the picture.

Furthermore, we also learned about internal and external virtues. Internal virtues are features that do not depend on observations for evaluation. It depends on the consistency of the claims in a theory. However, external virtues are dependent on the observation of the experiment that is carried out.

A theory that is made must be testable and the easiest way to test it is by observing through experimentation. However, theories are usually used for objects or events that are not amenable to observation. The theories do not test what can be observed with the naked eye or other five senses however the effects of the theories can be observed such as the effects of energy.

Moreover, we also learned about the basic model of confirmation which is a model that confirms a theory based on deductive reasoning. This model is called the hypothetical - deductive model of confirmation. This confirms a theory based on deductive reasoning which is, if the hypothesis is true, then the effect must happen and when the effect happens or can be seen, so the theory must be true. The presentation stated below further explains the hypothetical - deductive model.


http://www.slideserve.com/faith/lecture-7-hypothetical-deductive-method

There are also amendments made to the first model because there were only two components which are the hypothesis and effects. However, the conditions of the environment might affect the result. Therefore, the new model has three components :-

1. Hypothesis
2. Conditions of testing
3. Predicted effect

If the hypothesis is true and the conditions are right, the effect will be observed. The results might fail because the conditions were incorrect but that will not necessarily mean that the hypothesis itself is wrong. Therefore, it must be regularly tested in order to confirm the hypothesis.

From this chapter, i would need most help in memorizing the scientific enquiry method. This is because I have not familiarized myself with the steps. I would use this knowledge to be able to conduct experiments or teach my students to conduct experiments properly with the methods given.

Learning artifacts :-

Image : retrieved on 8/10/2015

http://www.primaryclassroomresources.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/c/scientific-method-chart_1.jpg

Powerpoint : retrieved on 8/10/2015

http://www.slideserve.com/faith/lecture-7-hypothetical-deductive-method

1st October 2015

Reflection 

From the previous weeks lesson, we were required to read up on a chapter ( e-book attached below  )  about providing explanations of a phenomena and how being able to provide explanations is a great achievement because explanations provide answers to questions of how it happens and why that phenomenon occurs and they generate curiosity to find out more.

( https://e.edim.co/76729303/chapter_3_explanation2.pdf?Expires=1443965453&Signature=kocbn-uyO9GqG-njWhlub-4DsD2sw~brTZoq~3RR-KUhFAMgaklhT02zNeSVgdW59KLI1GlG0oTT0LicVL3c8bpQpvkR9ZH~Mrd5DaZ0MqaVAJ6cIuencJKUw6GGOa1ObR1aH2RLjngDBSCeZ~tO1jDl-~a94lg80HSegYIETAWxnry5KkkCaNuN3yh7sCjrhbHlNxpkkReov37pOUFpupPE44bQ~IXDWlPfZEMCuTDnkcdOPYoRfkYaBUBhGTqUrqVBGYb1PeE9dxsstTb8n0OdpcI6MBQgOEz8vH6zZ9TrV~no8~Gd8Qv5oKM9tNPQc3BNRqPtzwWx0p~DoPlQ2g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIJNVNRBLLSTGN23Q )

The chapter talks about the covering-law model where it is considered as a good explanation depending on how the explanation is formed rather than how it says. An example of this model is a scenario where a driver who is not familiar with the traffic and roads will observe that other cars stop at an intersection with a stop sign. The valid explanation for this is because there is a stop sign and the other cars are stopping because it is the law to stop at a stop sign. This is a good explanation because the law is understood and the conditions are attained therefore, this outcome can be predicted.

The previous model can also be referred to as deductive-nomological model (D-N model) of explanation. I have understood from this that nomological means it relates to law and deductive is used to describe the strict logical linkage between the law, the conditions and conclusion. This model shows that an explanation can be shown as arguments with premises and conclusions.

Furthermore, there are also amendments to be made for the covering - law model. The first improvement made was to include a measure of unification. Secondly, the amendment made to the model was to have an explanation that specifically includes causal laws and theories.

The one thing i need help with in this chapter would be a better understanding about the terms and models used because i’m not familiar with them yet therefore I would have to do more research and read up about it to understand it better. I will use this knowledge in the coming future to teach my students about how to derive an explanation. With this knowledge, I am also able to explain things in a more orderly manner by following the deductive-nomological model of explanation.

Learning artifacts :-

E-book : retrieved on 4/10/2015 ( pg 51 - 68 )
https://e.edim.co/76729303/chapter_3_explanation2.pdf?Expires=1443965453&Signature=kocbn-uyO9GqG-njWhlub-4DsD2sw~brTZoq~3RR-KUhFAMgaklhT02zNeSVgdW59KLI1GlG0oTT0LicVL3c8bpQpvkR9ZH~Mrd5DaZ0MqaVAJ6cIuencJKUw6GGOa1ObR1aH2RLjngDBSCeZ~tO1jDl-~a94lg80HSegYIETAWxnry5KkkCaNuN3yh7sCjrhbHlNxpkkReov37pOUFpupPE44bQ~IXDWlPfZEMCuTDnkcdOPYoRfkYaBUBhGTqUrqVBGYb1PeE9dxsstTb8n0OdpcI6MBQgOEz8vH6zZ9TrV~no8~Gd8Qv5oKM9tNPQc3BNRqPtzwWx0p~DoPlQ2g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIJNVNRBLLSTGN23Q