Goals
1. Understand the distinction between scientific thinking and common sense.
2. Identify key features of scientific thinking.
3. Recognize how scientific thinking is applicable in various careers.
Contextualization
Scientific thinking and common sense are two different ways of making sense of the world around us. Common sense draws on our everyday experiences and gut feelings, while scientific thinking relies on thorough methods of exploration and analysis. In our day-to-day lives, we often depend on common sense for quick fixes, but it’s through scientific thinking that we pave the way for cutting-edge technologies, life-saving medications, and creative solutions to intricate issues. For instance, the vaccines that have protected millions were developed through detailed scientific research.
Subject Relevance
To Remember!
Difference between Scientific Thinking and Common Sense
Scientific thinking is a methodical investigation process that employs rigorous techniques of observation, experimentation, and analysis to understand phenomena. On the other hand, common sense is often based on beliefs, intuitions, and lived experiences, frequently without a strict reliance on evidence. While common sense can help us in everyday situations, scientific thinking is vital for addressing complex problems and driving the development of advanced technologies.
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Scientific thinking uses rigorous and systematic methods.
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Common sense is derived from intuitions and day-to-day experiences.
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Scientific thinking is crucial for building technologies and creating nuanced solutions.
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Common sense can be helpful in immediate and practical scenarios.
Characteristics of Scientific Thinking
Scientific thinking is marked by its objectivity, systematic methodology, verifiability, and reproducibility. It encompasses formulating hypotheses, conducting controlled experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results based on solid evidence. Ensuring transparency and consistency is vital so that findings are reliable and replicable by other researchers.
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Objectivity: strives to mitigate biases and subjectivity.
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Systematic approach: relies on a structured and organized method.
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Verifiability: findings can be confirmed by or shared with others.
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Reproducibility: experiments can be repeated by other researchers.
Practical Applications of Scientific Thinking in the Job Market
Scientific thinking finds practical applications in various sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and data science. Professionals who employ scientific thinking are adept at developing innovative solutions, making informed decisions grounded in evidence, and tackling complex challenges efficiently.
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In healthcare, scientific thinking drives the creation of new treatments and medications.
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In engineering, it aids in the design of secure and efficient technologies and infrastructures.
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In data science, scientific thinking helps analyze large datasets and uncover valuable insights.
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Professionals who implement scientific thinking are greatly valued in the job market.
Practical Applications
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Creation of vaccines and medical treatments founded on thorough scientific research.
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Development of groundbreaking technologies, such as AI and self-driving vehicles, through scientific methodologies.
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Data analysis in organizations to make strategic decisions based on scientific approaches.
Key Terms
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Scientific Thinking: Systematic investigation process using strict methods to understand phenomena.
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Common Sense: Set of beliefs and intuitions rooted in day-to-day and cultural experiences.
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Scientific Method: Structured approach involving hypothesis development, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusions interpretation.
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Verifiability: Ability to validate study or experiment results through independent testing.
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Reproducibility: Capacity to recreate an experiment and achieve the same outcomes, assuring the reliability of findings.
Questions for Reflections
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How can you implement scientific thinking in your everyday life to tackle common challenges?
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What are the drawbacks of common sense compared to scientific thinking when making significant decisions?
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In which sectors of the job market do you think scientific thinking is particularly esteemed, and why?
Developing a Scientific Solution
In this mini-challenge, you'll be prompted to apply scientific thinking to address a daily issue, contrasting it with a solution grounded in common sense.
Instructions
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Form a group of 4 to 5 people.
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Select a daily problem (e.g., how to extend the shelf life of food).
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List the solutions that common sense suggests for this problem.
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Research and create a solution based on scientific methodologies.
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Prepare a 5-minute presentation outlining the scientific solution and drawing comparisons with the common-sense solution.
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Present your findings to the class.
