Initial Post Instructions
The Discussions in this course are set up deepen your understanding of the material as you make real world connections and employ creative thinking. To get the most from these discussions, full engagement is expected on the part of the student. Be sure to stop by the discussion section frequently, not only to post, but to read the postings of your peers and instructor. Engaging with your peers and learning together is key to this experience. For you initial post, choose one of the options below:
Option 1:
We will begin this topic by practicing the use of the scientific method. The steps of the scientific method are: observation, hypothesis, experiment, results, and theory. Using your understanding of the scientific method from your readings and lessons, you will be applying this knowledge to a real world situation. Take a real world scenario in the news, or another outside source and apply the scientific method, being sure to detail the controls on your experiment. Describe a result that would confirm your hypothesis.
Option 2:
Choose a scientific paper written in the last year. The Chamberlain library is a great source for this. For your chosen paper, look into the study and discuss how the scientific method was used in this paper. Be sure to note they hypothesis, variables, results, etc. Based on your understanding of the scientific method, be sure to discuss if you find this paper as a trustworthy source and why.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
Option 1:
For this option, I have chosen a real-world scenario related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scenario: Does wearing a face mask reduce the transmission of COVID-19?
Scientific Method Application:
1. Observation: There is a global pandemic caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
2. Hypothesis: Wearing face masks can reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
3. Experiment: Conduct a controlled study where two groups of individuals are exposed to COVID-19. One group wears properly fitted face masks, while the other does not. Both groups are monitored for a period of time to determine the transmission rates.
- Control group: Individuals without face masks.
- Experimental group: Individuals wearing face masks.
- Random assignment of participants to reduce bias.
- Ensure that both groups have similar demographics and health conditions.
4. Results: After the study period, collect and analyze the data to determine the transmission rates in both groups. Calculate the percentage of transmission in each group and compare them.
5. Theory: If the experimental group shows a significantly lower transmission rate compared to the control group, it would confirm the hypothesis. The theory would be that wearing face masks reduces the transmission of COVID-19.
Controls on the Experiment:
- Random assignment of participants reduces bias and ensures that any differences observed between the control and experimental groups are due to the wearing of face masks.
- Monitoring and controlling environmental factors such as contact with infected individuals, social distancing, and hand hygiene.
- Ensuring that participants in the experimental group are wearing the face masks properly and consistently.
Result that would confirm the hypothesis: If the experimental group shows a significantly lower transmission rate compared to the control group, this would confirm the hypothesis that wearing face masks reduces the transmission of COVID-19.
Option 2:
For this option, I have chosen a scientific paper titled "The Effects of Climate Change on Coral Bleaching: A Meta-Analysis" published in the journal "Environmental Science and Pollution Research" in 2020.
In this paper, the scientific method was used as follows:
1. Observation: The observed phenomenon is climate change and its potential effects on coral bleaching.
2. Hypothesis: The hypothesis is that climate change is a significant factor contributing to coral bleaching.
3. Variables: The independent variable is climate change, and the dependent variable is coral bleaching. Other variables may include temperature, sea surface acidity, and ocean currents.
4. Experiment: The study involves a meta-analysis, which means that it synthesizes and analyzes data from multiple previous studies on the topic. The researchers collect data from various sources and analyze the correlation between climate change indicators (e.g., temperature increase) and coral bleaching events.
5. Results: The researchers analyze the data and determine the strength of the correlation between climate change indicators and coral bleaching events. They present the results in the form of statistical analyses, such as effect sizes and p-values.
Based on my understanding of the scientific method, I find this paper as a trustworthy source. The paper follows a proper scientific method by formulating a hypothesis, conducting a meta-analysis using data from multiple studies, analyzing the results statistically, and drawing conclusions. Additionally, the paper was published in a reputable scientific journal, which indicates that it has undergone peer review and scrutiny by experts in the field.
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