Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: How the Scientific Method Works
Jan 25, 2020
Discover how the scientific method evolved into a pivotal framework for inquiry, blending humor with history. The hosts discuss personal anecdotes and highlight the method's significance in modern healthcare. They explore the difference between hypotheses and theories while debunking common misconceptions. Key historical figures and milestones are revisited to showcase the journey of scientific thought. The conversation wraps up with the flexible nature of the method, emphasizing integrity in research and inviting listeners to engage and connect.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Types of Scientific Data
- Science involves both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (behavioral) data.
- Some argue that only quantitative data is truly scientific due to its reproducibility, while others emphasize the importance of both.
Hubble's Discovery
- Edwin Hubble used inductive reasoning to theorize the existence of multiple galaxies and the expansion of the universe.
- His observations through the Hooker telescope challenged the then-accepted view of the Milky Way as the sole galaxy.
Scientific Theory vs. Colloquial Theory
- A scientific theory isn't a mere guess but a well-supported explanation.
- It's backed by extensive evidence and has withstood rigorous testing, unlike a colloquial "theory."