Data and Explanations Social Influences on Science
and Technology
The idea that any measurement always
has an element of uncertainty
associated with it and that confidence
is increased with repetition and
replication.
The idea that any experiment requires
the identification and control of
variables.
That explanations require the use of
creative thought and invention to
identify what are underlying causal
relationships between variables. Such
explanations are often based on
models that cannot be observed.
That the goal of science is the
elimination of alternative explanations
to achieve a single, consensually
agreed account. However, data shows
only that a single explanation is false
not that it is correct. Nevertheless, our
confidence in any explanation
increases if it offers predictions which
are shown to be true.
All new explanations must undergo a
process of critical scrutiny and peer
review before gaining wider
acceptance.
LINK: https://webspace.oise.utoronto.ca/~benczela/NoSTEd.html
Assessment
Recognise that the focus of
much research is influenced by
the concerns and interests of
society and the availability of
funding.
That scientists’ views and ideas
may be influenced by their own
interests and commitments.
That the personal status of
scientists and their standing in
the field is a factor which,
wisely or not, is often used in
the judgement of their views
and ideas.
IDEAS ABOUT SCIENCE
Causal Links
and Technology
To recognise that many
questions of interest do not
have simple or evident causal
explanations. Rather, that
much valuable scientific work is
based on looking for
correlations and that such a
relationship does not imply a
causal link.
To recognise that confidence in
correlational links is dependent
on the size of the sample and
its selection. Events with very
low frequency are particularly
difficult to explain causally.
To recognise that eliminating
causal factors for a
correlational link is highly
problematic. Rather that much
scientific work relies on the
identification of plausible
mechanism between factors
which are correlated.
Risk and Risk Decisions about Science
To have a knowledge of
different ways of expressing
risk and an awareness of the
uncertainties associated with
risk measurement.
To be aware that there is a
variety of factors which
impinge on people’s
assessment of risk.
That risk assessment is
central to many of the
decisions raised by science in
contemporary society.
To recognise that whilst the
application of science and
technology has made
substantial contributions to
the quality of life of many
people, there has been a set
of unintended outcomes as
well.
That technology draws on
science in seeking solutions to
human problems. However, a
distinction should be drawn
between what can be done
and what should be done.
Decisions about technical
applications are subject,
therefore, to a host of
considerations such as
technical feasibility, economic
cost, environmental impact
and ethical considerations.
That certain groups or
individuals may hold views
based on deeply held religious
or political commitments and
that the tensions between
conflicting views must be
recognised and addressed in
considering any issue.