Does science always follow the scientific method?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. What do you remember about the scientific method from school?
2. Do you trust scientific results?
3. Have you ever done an experiment?
4. Is science more about facts or about questions?
5. Can scientists be completely objective?
6. Which scientific idea has changed your view of the world?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about science.

Choose the word that fits.

1. A testable explanation that a scientist proposes before an experiment is a .
2. The word describes knowledge that is based on observation and experiment, not on opinion.
3. Other laboratories must be able to the results before we trust them.
4. A researcher's personal preference can lead to in the results.
5. A result that does not fit the expected pattern is an .
6. In an experiment, only one should change at a time.
7. The team used a method, checking every step carefully.
8. Something you accept as true without proof is an .

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. a hypothesis is a
   final prooflucky guess onlytestable explanation
2. empirical = based on
   observation and experimentopiniontradition
3. to replicate = to
   sell a studyrepeat a studyhide a study
4. an anomaly is something that does not
   matterfit the patternexist
5. rigorous = careful and
   thoroughshortcareless
6. to refute = to prove that something is
   popularwrongold

Use these phrases to discuss evidence and method.

• The evidence suggests that...Докази свідчать, що...The evidence suggests that the effect is real.
• The reliability of the results depends on...Надійність результатів залежить від...The reliability of the results depends on the sample.
• There is a need for further research.Потрібні подальші дослідження.There is a need for further research.
• The replication of the study showed...Повторення дослідження показало...The replication of the study showed a weaker effect.
• It was a significant improvement on...Це було суттєве покращення порівняно з...It was a significant improvement on earlier methods.
• The failure of the experiment led to...Невдача експерименту призвела до...The failure of the experiment led to a new idea.
• The fact that... suggests...Той факт, що..., свідчить...The fact that it can be repeated suggests it is real.
• Their discovery gave rise to...Їхнє відкриття дало початок...Their discovery gave rise to a new field.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. Popper argued that scientific claims should be falsifiable.
   TrueFalse
2. Kuhn suggested that a new paradigm replaces an old one in a single experiment.
   TrueFalse
3. In 2015, fewer than half of the 100 studies were reported to replicate.
   TrueFalse
4. The text says that science never corrects its mistakes.
   TrueFalse
5. The text mentions peer review as part of the correction system.
   TrueFalse

1. Can scientists ever be fully objective?
2. Why do some studies fail to replicate?
3. Should unsuccessful studies be published?
4. Is science different from other ways of knowing?

Common mistakes: change the word class correctly (decide → decision, improve → improvement, fail → failure, important → importance) and use the or a possessive before the noun. ✗ The improve of the method → The improvement of the method. ✗ Her decide surprised us → Her decision surprised us. ✗ Fact that it works → The fact that it works. ✗ The important of replication → The importance of replication.

1. The
   improveimprovement
   of the method took years.
2. Her
   decisiondecide
   to publish surprised everyone.
3. The
   failurefail
   of the experiment was unexpected.
4. The
   importanceimportant
   of replication is clear.
5. The discovery ofDiscovering of
   the new particle changed physics.
6. There has been a
   rapidly developrapid development
   in the field.
7. Fact thatThe fact that
   results can be repeated builds trust.
8. Increased
   investing ofinvestment in
   research has produced faster progress.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. The improve of the method took years. →
2. Her decide to publish surprised everyone. →
3. The fail of the experiment was unexpected. →
4. The important of replication is clear. →
5. Fact that results can be repeated builds trust. →
6. There has been a rapid develop in the field. →

Answer in detail. Use nominalisation, passives and reporting verbs.

1. What was the most important discovery of the last century, and why?
2. How do you think the failure of an experiment can help science?
3. What is the role of peer review?
4. How much does the reliability of results matter to you?
5. Which assumption in your own field would you like to test?
6. Is the fact that scientists disagree a problem?

Three people discuss how science works. Compare them. Who trusts the method most? Who is the most critical? Whose view is closest to yours?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: describe how you think science works.
3. Part 2: say whether it always follows the method (use at least two nominalisations).
4. Part 3: explain what makes scientific results reliable.

1. Did you enjoy science at school?
2. Do you trust scientific research?
3. Would you take part in an experiment?
4. Do you check the evidence before you believe a claim?
5. Are you good at working with data?
6. Do you prefer facts or ideas?
7. Have you ever changed your mind because of a study?
8. What would you like to test or discover?

1. Who taught you science?
2. Who in your life is a scientist?
3. Who do you trust to explain scientific news?
4. Who asks the most questions in your family?
5. Who in history do you admire as a scientist?
6. Who should check scientific results?

1. Is science the best way to find the truth?
2. Should all research be published?
3. Is the pressure to publish a problem?
4. Should schools teach the history of science?
5. Can science answer every question?