Science Literacy & Research Methods 1

Science Literacy & Research Methods

Holly Gerard

University of Maine at Augusta

Dr. Ken Elliott

March 2017
Science Literacy & Research Methods 2

Science literacy and research methods, although consisting of different

qualities, possess similarities (rigor-structure/procedural). One also facilitates
the other. There seems to be a common agreement by some that science
literacy is an individuals knowledge of basic science, i.e. E=MC2. There are
others that argue awareness of these basics is definitely a component of
science literacy but is only a small piece and maybe not even the most
important. They argue that to be science literate, one must be able not only
be able to memorize facts but be able to evaluate information critically as
well as do science.

For the purpose of comparison, science literacy will be defined as a way

of knowing about the world. It is the ability to be a thoughtful, discerning
consumer of scientific information and also the ability to construct new
knowledge. Contemporary definitions of science literacy have expanded to
include understandings of scientific processes and practices, familiarity with
how science and scientists work, a capacity to weigh and evaluate the
products of science, and an ability to engage in civic decisions about the
value of science. (Laugksch, 2016)

Research methods are systematic approaches in which scientists use to

describe and explain phenomena. The scientific method was developed to
ensure that these descriptions and explanations have validity and reliability.
The scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena,
acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
To be scientific, a method of inquiry is commonly based on empirical or
measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning (Wikipedia,
2017). The process begins when a problem is identified. After the problem
has been identified, data is collected then analyzed and interpreted. As
pertains to social science, research is a logical way to enhancing our
understanding of social phenomena by building and testing theory through
empirical observation.

Research methods fall under the broad umbrella of science literacy. So to

be capable of performing research through the prescribed methods, one
must be science literate. To think of the world abstractly and ask a scientific
question, one must be science literate. Researchers must also be able to
evaluate prior research and theory in a critical manner and parse out
pertinent information to build on theory. To complete a literate review, you
must be able to answer the question, Is this an evidence-based study? and
check for validity and reliability. This is a quality a science literate individual
possesses. Understanding the limitations is also a skill required of science
literacy and research methods. One must know be aware of biases as well as
the boundaries of studies. Science can only explain so much. There are
things that we do not always see. Researchers also may want to see things in
a certain way. Having the ability to acknowledge this bias, especially in
regard to qualitative research methods, is paramount. Although one may not
Science Literacy & Research Methods 3

have to carry out research methods to be science literate, one should still
have an understanding of how research is carried out in order to be an
informed consumer of research.

Science literacy and a knowledge of research methods are relevant to

every human being. An awareness of these may help to distinguish reality in
which we cannot see from guesses. Scientific knowledge affects our personal
lives, from the choices we make about our health to how we choose to vote.
From a health perspective, knowledge of science helps me to decide what I
should eat and how I should exercise. I read food labels more closely and I
push myself to get to the gym because I have read enough evidence-based
material proving I should do so. When I am ill, sometimes my doctor cannot
help me. In these cases, I will read as many studies as possible to search for
proven methods of treatment. If I were not educated in how to look for
evidence-based studies, I may waste a lot of time reading bogus information
posing as good medical advice.

As Neil deGrasse Tyson has stated, If youre science illiterate youre

disenfranchising yourself from the democratic process (Moyers & Company,
2017). Democracy runs on the idea
that citizens have an equal say and opportunity to participate in how the
country is run. Scientific literacy is important in ensuring an equal and just
democracy where each individual has the opportunity to comprehend the
decisions being made in regards to how their country is run. The more
educated members of a society are, the better the government. Countries
will more fully (and collectively) understand the choices needed for the
betterment of their society (and the world around them) (Horn, 2013).

Science Literacy & research methods knowledge saves us from being

sold snake oil. By possessing these skills, an individual will not fall for an
articles claims just because it may contain scientific terminology and some
citations. A science literate individual realizes that correlation is not
causation and only experimental design research can use terms like caused
by. Such an individual also realizes that complex phenomena have equally
complex causes. For example, childhood obesity arises from a variety of
inter-related and inextricable societal, economic, cultural, biological and
other factors. It is reductive in the extreme to suggest that media are the
sole cause. (Kleeman, 2014)

My college education has helped me to understand the importance of

science literacy and research methods. I have learned many of the necessary
skills and will carry out a research project of my own. By learning these skills,
as mentioned above, I carry them into how I make decisions about my
perception of the world. I am better informed than I was four years ago but I
know I still have much to learn. It may be difficult to master all the skills
Science Literacy & Research Methods 4

involved but knowing what science literacy and research methods has made
a significant impact on my life already.

References

Bhattacherjee, Anol, "Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and

Practices" (2012).

Textbooks Collection.Book 3.
http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/oa_textbooks/3

Horn, Pamela. (January 2013). Why is Scientific Literacy Important?. An

Attempt to Decode

Science.

Kleeman, David. (May 2014). 10 Reasons Why We Need Research Literacy,

Not Scare Columns.

The Huffington Post. Retrieved from:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-

kleeman/10-reasons-why-we-need-re_b_4940987.html

Laugksch, Rudiger C. (2000). Scientific Literacy: A Conceptual Overview. John

Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Scientific Method. Wikipedia. (2017). Retrieved from:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

Tyson, Neil deGrasse. (January 2014). Neil deGrasse Tyson on Why Science
Literacy Matters.

Moyers & Company.