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Beginner's Guide to Scientific Method

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ISBN-10: 0534584500

ISBN-13: 9780534584504

Edition: 3rd 2004 (Revised)

Authors: Stephen S. Carey

List price: $103.95
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This concise book provides an introduction to the scientific method of inquiry. This book not only presents not only a methodical approach to the proper conduct of science but also contains comprehensive coverage of pseudoscience and fallacies. Compact enough to be used as a supplementary book, yet comprehensive enough in its coverage to be used as a core text, this text assists students in using the scientific method to design and assess experiments.
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Book details

List price: $103.95
Edition: 3rd
Copyright year: 2004
Publisher: Wadsworth
Publication date: 3/17/2003
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 160
Size: 6.25" wide x 9.25" long x 0.50" tall
Weight: 0.550
Language: English

Stephen Carey received his Ph.D. in logical theory and the history of logic from the University of Oregon. In addition to A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SCIENTIFIC METHOD, he has also written THE USES AND ABUSES OF ARGUMENT. He currently teaches logic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of religion at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon. He is an avid tennis and pickleball player, and runs a marathon every year.

Preface
Science
Just What is Science? Asking Why
Scientific Method
The Consequences of Science
Scientific Method in Daily Life
Exercises
Observation
Making Accurate Observations
Anomalous Phenomena
Observation and Anomalous Phenomena
The Burden of Proof
Summary
Exercises
Proposing Explanations
Explanation
Causes
Correlation
Causal Mechanisms
Underlying Processes
Laws
Function
The Interdependence of Explanatory Methods
Rival Explanations and Ockham''s Razor
Explanation and Description
Summary
Exercises
Testing Explanations
The Basic Method
How to Test an Explanation
How Not to Test an Explanation
Testing Extraordinary Claims
Summary
Exercises
Establishing Causal Links
Causal Studies
Limited Effect Levels
Multiple Causal Factors
Bias and Expectation
Types of Causal Study
Reading Between the Lines
Summary
Exercises
Fallacies In the Name of Science
What is a Fallacy? False Anomalies
Questionable Arguments by Elimination
Illicit Causal Inferences
Unsupported Analogies and Similarities
Untestable Explanations
Redundant Predictions
Ad Hoc Rescues
Science and Pseudoscience
The Limits of Scientific Explanation
Summary
Exercises
Further Reading
Index