The scientific method is crap: Teman Cooke at TEDxLancaster

Summary

The speaker critiques the traditional scientific method, highlighting its linear, intimidating, and conclusion-focused nature. They propose an alternative: the cycle of scientific thinking, which starts with interesting observations, leads to predictions, and involves continuous questioning and refinement. This approach, they argue, better reflects real scientific practice, is more intuitive, and addresses changing facts and failed predictions. By embracing this method, we can foster a more engaging and accurate understanding of science, preparing future generations for ongoing inquiry and discovery.

Takeaways

• 😐 The speaker criticizes the traditional scientific method as linear, non-intuitive, and focused on conclusions.
• 🔍 The scientific method as taught in schools misrepresents the actual process and nature of scientific inquiry.
• 🚫 The traditional method is seen as intimidating and not reflective of real scientific practice.
• 📈 A significant percentage of Americans and students lack a clear understanding of what scientists do.
• ❓ Many people fear science and feel unprepared to answer basic scientific questions.
• 🌌 The speaker advocates for a 'cycle of scientific thinking' that starts with interesting observations and leads to predictions and further observations.
• 🔄 This cycle is more reflective of actual scientific practice and is more engaging and intuitive.
• 📊 A scientific model can either be strengthened, modified, or abandoned based on its predictions and observations.
• 🧠 Scientific explanations must be falsifiable; it's easier to prove something wrong than to prove it absolutely right.
• 🌍 The cycle of scientific thinking empowers individuals to engage with science without needing to be experts, fostering a more scientifically literate society.

Q & A

What does the speaker believe about the scientific method?

The speaker believes that the scientific method, as commonly taught, is flawed and misrepresents what scientists actually do and what science is about.

How does the speaker describe the scientific method taught in schools?

The speaker describes it as a linear process with steps such as identifying a problem, forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, analyzing data, and drawing a conclusion.

What are the four main ways the speaker believes the scientific method misrepresents science?

The scientific method is linear, not intuitive, focuses too much on reaching a conclusion, and places too much emphasis on experimentation.

What does the speaker suggest is a better alternative to the scientific method?

The speaker suggests the 'cycle of scientific thinking' as a better alternative, which starts with interesting observations and leads to questions, explanations, predictions, and further observations.

Why does the speaker argue that the scientific method is not intuitive?

The speaker argues that the scientific method is not intuitive because it does not guide students on how to choose a problem or what to do with a conclusion, making the process intimidating.

What are some statistics mentioned by the speaker to highlight misconceptions about science?

The speaker mentions that 65% of Americans have little idea about what scientists do daily, 50% consider it dangerous, 32% of eighth graders score at or above proficiency in science, and 30% of elementary school teachers feel well prepared to teach science.

What is the speaker's main concern regarding the public's understanding of science?

The speaker is concerned that as a culture, we fear science due to an obsession with right answers and conclusions, the changing nature of facts, and a lack of understanding of the thought process behind scientific decisions.

How does the speaker define 'scientific thinking'?

The speaker defines 'scientific thinking' as a cycle that involves making interesting observations, asking questions, developing explanations that lead to predictions, and then testing those predictions through further observations.

What is the importance of the idea that any explanation must be able to be proven false, according to the speaker?

The importance of this idea is that it allows for the continuous refinement and updating of scientific models, ensuring that they remain accurate and relevant as new evidence is discovered.

How does the speaker use the discovery of Neptune and Pluto to illustrate the evolution of scientific understanding?

The speaker uses the discovery of Neptune and Pluto to show how initial observations led to predictions and further observations, which eventually led to the reclassification of Pluto as not a planet, demonstrating the dynamic nature of scientific understanding.

What is the speaker's final recommendation for improving science education?

The speaker recommends embracing the cycle of scientific thinking, emphasizing that anyone can engage in scientific inquiry by observing, explaining, and predicting, without needing to be an expert or know everything.