WAYS OF KNOWING

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WAYS OF KNOWING

• INTUITION OR TENACITY
• I just "feel it"
• AUTHORITY
• Bible, grandmother, expert
• LOGIC
• Deducing the answer
• SCIENCE
• Empirical test

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each is useful

• Some are best for particular questions.
• For example, what is the fastest way to Calgary?
• WHICH WAYS OF KNOWING WOULD "WORK?"
• WHICH IS BEST?

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THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

• Whats GOOD about this method?
• PURPOSIVE
• RIGOROUS
• TESTABLE
• OBJECTIVE
• FALSIFYABLE

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Falsification

• Make a Prediction
• Establish Ground Rules
• Gather Data
• Compare Results to Predictions
• If consistent, you are right
• If not, you are wrong FALSE!

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The wheel of science
DEDUCTION
INDUCTION
Observation
Hypothesis
Generalization
Theory
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Observation versus theory
Observation (Variables)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Theory (Concepts)
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Another model of theory and observation
Observation
Observation
Observation
Theory
Theory
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Applied versus theoretical research

• Applied research
• Examines only observational variables
• Theoretical research
• Examines conceptual causes and outcomes through
  observing relationships between variables.
• Tries to develop a broad theoretical
  understanding.

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THEORY

• A statement of how one thing causes another
• EXAMPLE
• Poking my boss with a pen will make him fire me.
• CAUSE
• Poking my boss with a pen
• OUTCOME
• Getting fired

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Concepts versus variables

• CONCEPT (initial)
• Poking
• VARIABLE
• poke with a pen
• CONCEPT (revised)
• Annoying
• VARIABLE
• stupid jokes

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Concepts versus variables
Variable
Variable
Variable
Concept
Concept
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FUNCTIONS OF THEORY

• ORGANIZES OUR EXPERIENCES
• - focuses us on relevant factors
• EXTENDS OUR KNOWLEDGE
• - leads us to generalizations and predictions
• STIMULATES AND GUIDES INQUIRY
• - searches for explanations and causes

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A GOOD THEORY

• EXPLAINS current observations
• PREDICTS future events
• is TESTABLE theory can be falsified
• is SIMPLER than other explanations
• is USEFUL practical applications

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The End