Chapter 1. The Scientific Attitude

Infographic

Infographic Activity

by David Myers and Nathan DeWall

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Thinking Critically About: The Scientific Attitude

The scientific attitude prepares us to think smarter. No matter how sensible-seeming or wild an idea, the smart thinker asks: Does it work?

An infographic shows three basic attitudes that helped make modern science possible. You can read full description from the link below

Figure 1.1:

The Scientific Attitude imageEnlarge figure Image description

Quiz

1.

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Humility—including an openness to unexpected findings, and to having one’s own ideas challenged—is part of what enables scientific progress.

2.

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Scientists seek the middle ground between cynicism (doubting everything) and gullibility (believing anything). Their healthy skepticism pushes for answers: What do you mean? How do you know?

3.

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“The rat is always right” is a way of saying that if animals’ (or people’s) behavior doesn’t meet our expectations, then it’s our ideas that need to change.