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What is Science?
Science is a method of inquiry to learn more about the hows and whys of phenomena at work in
the world around us. At its heart lies a natural skepticism that requires explanations be supported
by sufficient evidence and be repeatable or applicable across a wide range of phenomena.
Credentialed, career scientists aren’t the only ones who use the methods of scientific inquiry.
We all do! We observe that a friend is excited, and we puzzle over why. We observe behaviors.
We ask questions. We research the puzzle and gather data. We make an educated guess,
otherwise known as a hypothesis, and then we refine that hypothesis as we continually
make observations and gather more data. If new observations and data contradict
our original hypothesis, we modify it to fit the new data. We may consult others,
but we also do our own research and make our own observations. We look for objective data and are
skeptical of subjective data (such as what our friend claims is the source of the excitement).
Natural skepticism is something that we apply throughout our day to a variety
of puzzles. What happened to the peanut butter I left in the refrigerator last
night half full? If I complete this set of exercises daily, will my back really
get stronger? We may be tempted to rely on the opinions and pronouncements of others,
but when faced with the loss of time, money, or health, we research the issue
ourselves – testing the claims and analyzinq the results. We complete the exercises for 2
weeks and assess our resulting back strength. We look for evidence of an empty peanut butter
jar in the garbage can (and maybe even dust for fingerprints). These processes of inquiry
and problem solving that are such an integral part of our lives are science. We don’t ALWAYS
apply these techniques to all our decisions, opinions, and puzzles, but we know how to!
Embedded in our daily scientific inquiries are a few fundamental
characteristics of good science and skepticism. At the heart of the puzzles we solve daily is
curiosity. We like to know why and how things happen. An unaddressed envelope
sits on the counter bulging with papers. Whose is it? What’s in it? What’s it about?
We make hypotheses about what is causing what we are seeing, and we apply these to
predict future occurrences under similar circumstances. We surmise that an episode
of heartburn is caused by drinking soda on an empty stomach, so we avoid drinking soda
under similar circumstances or prepare for the now-expected consequences if we do.
When past inquiries have resulted in satisfactory hypotheses over and over, we begin to rely on them
as truth, and we build upon them to learn even more in our future investigations.
When new data and results contradict our original hypothesis, we might be skeptical of the new data
and results and try to repeat them, but we don’t throw them out. If we’ve previously learned that
our garbage gets picked up on Tuesday mornings, and then one Tuesday it doesn’t get picked up,
we don’t throw that data out – we look for an explanation, which might eventually lead us
to learn our garbage bill hasn’t been paid for 3 months or that the pick-up day has changed.
How can we get better at thinking scientifically? One place to start
is by distinguishing between observation and evaluation. Observations are measurable items,
usually objective facts. Evaluation includes some kind of judgment or explanation of the facts.
When I go outside after sitting indoors in front of a computer for hours,
I might evaluate the conditions as cold. However, the data show that it’s 65 degrees
Fahrenheit outside. That’s the observation. Someone who was just running up a mountain
might evaluate that same data point as warm. Opinions are evalutions, not observations.
Another way to mix up observations and evaluations is to jump to conclusions about
why things are happening. It’s cold because it’s winter. That sentence is an evaluation.
It might even be a true one. But linking the two into a causation is an evaluation,
and there might be another explanation entirely!
Why is it important to separate observation or fact from evaluation or opinion? Evaluations and
opinions we can throw out when they no longer satisfactorily explain the observations and
facts. They can be argued and discussed. They can evolve. They can be expanded. But observations
and facts are golden. We can’t just throw them away! And when we engage in critical thinking
and discussions with our friends and colleagues, we’re best served if we can start with the facts
and observations and measurements and then be skeptical and creative with our evaluations
and hypotheses and open to new ideas that better explain the facts we will continue to gather. For
some of the big puzzles we’re solving today, our future depends on all of us applying skeptical and
consistent scientific thinking and inquiry.
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