Scientific Skills
“The Sets of attitudes and Values of
different Scientists”
Introduction
Scientists all over the world are usually driven to
uncover more of life’s mysteries through careful
observations, experimentation, and sound analysis.
They base their preliminary processes on models or
ideas, some of which are products of accidental
discoveries. A valid and systematic method of
investigation is the result of alertness, curiosity, and
persistence of the scientific mind.
Different Attitudes of Scientists…
Curiosity
A scientist that asks personal questions, observes,
reads a lot, seeks information, and carries out
experiment to satisfy his curiosity.
This scientist continues to search for answers to
explain what was observed to predict possible results.
Examples:
Galileo’s curiosity about the heavens led him to construct a better
telescope.
Benjamin Franklin was curious about the nature of lightning.
Willing to Suspend Judgment
A scientist that does not jump to conclusions. He/she
takes time to look for more information. Perhaps
he/she also needs to repeat some experiments that
have not been well prepared. He/she encourages other
scientists to duplicate his/her experiment and
comments on it. He/she also finds time to discuss
with other scientists.
Examples:
Joseph Henry, an American mathematician and scientist, knew from his
experience in constructing electromagnets. However, he did not make a
conclusion until he had conducted many experiments that proved his
hypothesis.
Dr. Miguel D. Fortes of the Marine Science Institute, came out with the
list of fish families, mollusks, reptiles, birds, and mammals. He did not
make a specific comment on the diversity of living species found in the
mangrove areas of the Philippines. He presented his findings when he had
completed his observations.
Open-minded
An open-minded scientist should be able to modify
plans if necessary or discard a belief that has not
enough scientific basis. If he/she can do these, then
he believes in the tentativeness of scientific
knowledge. It should be because Science keeps on
improving or changing as more information gathered.
Example:
Dr. Regalado G. Zamora, a Filipino scientist, in his researches on
animal science nutrition, kept on open-minded stance when he tried
other sources of animal feeds.
Critical-minded
A scientist that has a consideration on the hypothesis
of another scientist.
Example:
Charles Darwin, a scientist well known for his theory of evolution
demonstrated the difference between open-minded and critical
minded. He also consider other than his hypothesis of other
scientist about the evolutions.
Intellectually Honest
A scientist that can recognize the contributions made
by others in the final formulations of a product or a
process. This attitude is very important especially in
this present world where information is easy to get.
Example:
A scientist who is intellectually honest must keep on asking
himself questions like: Did I gather data exactly as planned and
designed? If not, what made me change? Did I report all
observations exactly as I saw or measured them?
Rational
A rational scientist can able to think logically and
reason clearly. He/she analyzes conditions and
objects in order to see their relationships. He/she is
systematic to avoid confusion. Because he/she is
rational, he/she is not superstitious.
Willingness to work hard
A scientist that can accommodate the scientific works
which requires long hours of planning, observations,
analyzing and thinking out conclusions.
Example:
Dr. Porfirio Aliño in his study of coral reefs as a habitat of fishes. He spent
years studying silt and polluted coral reefs. He looked into how this
condition affects reef fishes.
Objectivity
A scientist who is willing to work hard to attain his
goal and purpose on his /her experiments. It may
involve combination of some of other attitudes
mentioned.
Other Attitudes of scientists…
Patience
A scientist must be patient in waiting for results of
experiments that may take years to accomplish.
Perseverance
A scientist must continue experiments that may (take years to
accomplish) not be successful right away.
Accepting Authority
A scientist must accept authority when using the findings of
earlier scientists as basis of their experiments.
Suspending Conclusion
A scientist must suspend conclusion until after sufficient
observations have been made or sufficient data have been
collected.
Truthfulness
A scientist must be truthful in reporting, stating things with
some degree of uncertainty if indeed the results of an
investigations are not conclusive; also not manufacturing or
manipulating data in order to prove a preferred finding.
Constant Awareness of Limitations of Science
A scientist must not look at Science as a panacea,
expecting it to solve all problems and explain all
phenomena.
A. Humility in accepting the views and opinions of others.
B. Humility in admitting error in their experiments or
conclusions.
C. Humility of scientists when they realize the
overwhelming magnificence of creations.
CONCLUSION
These sets of attitudes has led scientists to make
correct ethical judgment or decisions in their many
attempts to discover things about the environment. In
the process of applying these attitudes in their
respective fields of study, they are also able to promote
self-reliance, productivity, and respect for the
environment.
By:
Anthony C. Revilla
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