Premium Essay

Scientific Method and the Problem-Solving Approach

In: Science

Submitted By scheek555
Words 333
Pages 2
Scientific Method and the Problem-Solving Approach

The term "environment" refers to the sum total of our surroundings, including biotic and abiotic factors. Environmentalism is a social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world from undesirable changes brought about by human choices. In contrast, Environmental Science refers to the pursuit of knowledge about the workings of the environment and our interactions with it. It incorporates the study of both "hard" science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and ecology and social sciences, such as economics and policy. In this paper, I will review an environmental situation and attempt to apply methods of study from both the "hard" and social sciences.

Consider this. A dairy farmer in Wisconsin loves to fish in a tiny lake adjacent to his property. In recent weeks, he has had terrible luck, catching few or no fish every time he goes out. He also notices that the lake has an unusually high amount of algae in it.

Clearly, the reason for a short supply of fish and an increased amount of algae in the lake is contributed to algae blooms. These blooms are caused by “loads” of nitrogen flowing into the canal. Based on this information, I predict large amounts of chemical fertilizers are being applied on nearby farms and subsequent run-off enters the lake (Withgott & Laposata, p. 9). This occurrence then produces massive algae growth which not only obstructs sunlight, but also starves the water of oxygen, resulting in the death of the fish living in the tiny lake.

To resolve this situation, the nitrogen run-off must be reduced and the lake will eventually return to normal. To test this prediction or hypothesis linking algae growth to fertilizer, a simple experiment would be to construct two identical separate pools of water (representing the lakes). After that, introduce a small quantity of algae into

Similar Documents

Free Essay

A Scientific Approach to Total Quality

...A Scientific Approach for Total Quality Ricardo Colon PJM – 440 Total Quality Management Colorado State University – Global Campus Dr. Victoria Figiel August 24th, 2015 A Scientific Approach for Total Quality This paper discusses the scientific approach to decision making and problem solving concerning total quality. When combined with total quality tools, the scientific approach can empower employees to commit to a continuous quality improvement culture. I will explain how this effect occurs. Also, a detailed synopsis of my experience related to how quality tools can increase project management success will be provided. Two ways of making decisions stem from examining the results and evaluating the processes applied to the decision making method, (Goetsch, & Davis, 2013). Leaders need objective information to ensure their decisions are based on factual data, (Goetsch, & Davis, 2013). The scientific method applied to total quality provides empirical, factual evidence to support decisions and solving problems, (Goetsch, & Davis, 2013). Meaning, the scientific method can provide decision makers with valuable information to achieve customer satisfaction based on factual information. Customers seek specific metric based results from products and services. Thus, total quality leaders can use the scientific method to collect and analyze data to define customer satisfaction, and make decisions to achieve said parameters. With a large...

Words: 1089 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Thinking and Decision Making

...self or others. Important decisions can result in significant consequence or benefits. Many thinking styles exist with many similarities and dissimilarities. Persuasive, creative and scientific thinking styles offer techniques for problem solving. Individuals using various forms of critical thinking may be unaware of the techniques employed. Strength in problem solving is gained through exploring and learning about three of the many thinking styles. Comparing and Contrasting Thinking Styles The unleashed creative thinking style has the capability to produce much original, even brilliant thought. Creative thought processes new and wondrous ideas using techniques such as the metaphor, brainstorming and star-bursting. Creativity occurs within every distinct area of thinking. Creative thought does not present itself best under just any circumstances; it is most effective when the individual is courageous, calm, and has eliminated many of the barriers that could inhibit ones creative potential. This loose, freewheeling style of thinking is in stark contrast to both the scientific and persuasive styles of thinking. The scientific thinking style is one of structure and adheres to specific criteria; it is much like a language, with a strict set of rules to follow. Such is The Scientific Method, which consists of the following four defined steps of observation, forming a hypothesis, experimenting, and verifying. According to Kirby and Goodpaster, (2007),...

Words: 1623 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper

...Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper Monique Reed BSHS/435 February 22, 2015 Dora Baker Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper In this paper in will provide details on how scientific methods can be used in the Human services. Explaining the steps of scientific methods, and how it serves as an important key to Human services professionals. Each steps will be included on how they are define and what purpose it serves will scientific methods are applied. Human services professionals use the scientific methods to gain information on the client as well as how to approach the clients issues. Also researching other resources to meet the needs of the client to ensure the client is receiving accurate help. Scientific Method Scientific method is a method that used to research and study that involves investigation and evaluation of present or future problems. Scientific method helps with produce the right answers to questions that cannot be answered with common sense alone. Researchers can use scientific methods to exploit all the facts, evidence, opinions, and records to find the right plan. As a Human service professional using scientific method can help with identifying the solution of the client’s problem and finding a resolution to ensure it will help to rebuild the client’s life. No matter field an individual is in when it concerns Human services, research will always be needed to ensure self-thoughts, bias, and ones on solution is not...

Words: 1047 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Scientific Method - Sci230 - Week 1

...The Scientific Method Theresa P. Mitchell University of Phoenix SCI 230 Introduction to Life Science Professor Mayra E. Colombani February 2, 2014 The Scientific Method The scientific method is an established step process to stimulate us to ask questions and seek explanations to situations or problems. On the table below, the scientific method applies the following steps to start an investigation to reach a general conclusion: Observation | Question | Hypothesis | Prediction | Experiment | The problem or situation | Why or what is the concern | What one may state is the problem/situation – prediction | If one does this the problem or situation will be fixed or corrected | Following through to see if hypothesis / prediction was correct | The web-based activity instituted from the University of Phoenix portal prompts the student to apply the scientific method to provide a conclusion (University of Phoenix, 2014). The car experiment posed the most interest portraying an individual who goes to the garage in the morning preparing to head to work and the car will not start. The car was working the day before but today when the individual puts the key in the ignition nothing happens. This creates a query of “Why does the car not start?” After applying the steps to the scientific method and performing all the different scenarios provided from the web-based experiment, the final conclusion was the car needed fluids. I may actually relate to the experiment regarding...

Words: 505 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Charles Kettering, the Famed Us Electrical Engineer and Inventor Said “a Problem Well-Stated Is Half-Solved.” One of the Key Capabilities in Consulting Is to Develop a Good Understanding of the Problem Situation from a

...Charles Kettering, the famed US electrical engineer and inventor said “A problem well-stated is half-solved.” One of the key capabilities in Consulting is to develop a good understanding of the problem situation from a number of different perspectives. This stage in the consulting process is known as ‘problem structuring’. The capabilities in Consulting have no limits with extraordinary growth in which is capable to handle and bring solutions for all business problems. Consulting is currently not well defined; however, it may refer to as giving advice to companies provided by trained professionals who help managers solve operational and strategic problems through the use of their knowledge and systematic analysis of facts and experience. Many specialised practitioners from all industry sectors often refer to themselves as ‘consultants’, in which roles they share knowledge and proffer advice to clients. The teaching of consulting begins its teaching by introducing the art and science of consulting. The reason being is that when coming up with any problems within a business, everything can be approached scientifically and everything can become art (Vidal R. 2006). The message given here believes to indicate that in complex situations to problem solving, it is advisable to use both the scientific and artistic attitudes for a more satisfying result to achieve with the risk of failure been minimized, all the participants been empowered and everybody to have given the chance...

Words: 3006 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Creative Problem-Solving Styles in the Usa and Japan

...Creative problem-solving styles in the USA and Japan [pic] The Authors Paul Herbig, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, USA, and Laurence Jacobs, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii Abstract Explores the cultural differences between Japan and the USA as they influence in the practice of creativity. Western logic reflects its Cartesian heritage of a clear, linear path of reasoning or the “scientific method”. The western approach to creativity is innovation through sponteneous originality. The Japanese approach, by contrast, is through the adaptive process. Implementing the innovation for effective production and marketing is their greatest strength. Japanese value the consensual more than differences. Proposes that US-Japanese partnerships would be the merging of opposites, the perfect complement of two diameterically opposite ways of creative thinking. If these partnerships are properly conceived and implemented, a highly efficient combine would result. Article Type:   Conceptual Paper Keyword(s):   Creativity; Japan; Methods; USA. Journal:   International Marketing Review Volume:   13 Number:   2 Year:   1996 pp:   63-71 Copyright ©   MCB UP Ltd ISSN:   0265-1335 Creativity may be the most important tool in a marketer’s arsenal. Without creativity, the firm becomes predictable. The predictable firm may be at a competitive disadvantage. Creativity goes further than creative...

Words: 3583 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Applying Problem Solving

...Applying Problem Solving Name PHL/251 August 27, 2012 Instructor Applying Problem Solving When people face deadlines, decisions, and emergencies that need action, often they respond with instinctive answers or act in haste. Problem solving, however, is a method of applying critical thinking to these situations to achieve the desired goals (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). In people’s everyday lives, problems undoubtedly will occur. For them to determine the answers to them, people must adapt and apply the proper method of problem solving. Two methods that they could use are persuasion and scientific thinking. The important thing to remember is choosing the method that best fits the situation. Persuasive Thinking One problem-solving method is persuasion. Persuasion is the art of swaying someone to accept a message (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). There are many things to consider when approaching a problem using persuasion. The person must understand what moves the person or audience he is trying to persuade. The underlying values and beliefs that cause them to feel a certain way about the topic must be known. The person must also be aware of how much his audience, or just an individual, knows about the issue. He must take the audience or individual on a journey that will eventually allows the transference of one way of thinking to another that still meets the needs and values of the audience (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). It is essential to organize a persuasive...

Words: 1088 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Scientific Method

...The Scientific Method Mary A Swanagan Kaplan University Big Ideas in Science: From Methods to Mutation Professor Molika Chea June 20, 2013 The Scientific Method According to the textbook used in this course, the scientific method is a continuous process used to collect observations, form and test hypotheses, make predictions, and identify patterns in the physical world. By using the scientific method, researchers use observations and hypotheses, in order to foresee the outcome of an experiment, then conduct that experiment and draw conclusions from the observations of the experiment. The scientific method is not only useful for scientists and laboratories but something that can be applied to everyday situations (Trefil & Hazen). Most people do not think about how science is used in their everyday lives. Take for instance you are having guest coming over for dinner and you plan to cook your favorite dish then realize one of the main ingredients is missing and your guest will arrive in one hour. Without realizing it you began using the scientific method by asking yourself, what am I going to do now? Or, how am I going to make this taste great without all of the ingredients? This is the beginning of the scientific method. The second step would be to do some background research to answer your question. In this scenario, you would go into the kitchen and find an ingredient that you can substitute for the missing ingredient to put in your favorite dish. In doing...

Words: 987 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Applying Problem Solving

...Running head: Applying Problem Solving Applying Problem Solving University of Phoenix Cultural Diversity PHL/215 Heather Hensell Applying Problem Solving When we face emergencies, deadlines, critical situations, and decisions, which call for action, often we respond to our instinct and just as often we make judgments in haste. No matter if the issues are personal, educational or business, occasionally we do not take the time to consult with those "who have been there, done that!" At times we do not investigate the resources available. In problem solving, following guidelines can save time and heartache. How effectively we use these guidelines will determine our chances for a positive resolution to the problem at hand. First, identify and clarify the problem; we must know the problem to solve it. Second, gather information; we must know all the details to come to the correct solution. Third, evaluate the evidence; things are not always as they seem, determine if the information is justifiable. Fourth, consider alternatives and implications; identify the strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, choose and implement the best alternative. In this paper I have chosen two situations that I will use persuasive thinking to solve the problem and the other I will use scientific thinking. The first problem that I will discuss is Racism, which can be defined as the hatred of one person by another or the prejudice that members...

Words: 838 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Organizational Psychology

...eat, the cars we drive, to the roof over our heads. Organizational psychology is described as a field that utilizes scientific methodology to better understand individuals working in organizational settings (University of Phoenix 2008). The use of organizational psychologist is designed to help the organization function more effectively. There are several benefits from an effective organization. This paper will not only define organizational psychology, but will also explore the role of research and statistics in organizational psychology and describe how organizational psychology can be used in organizations. Organizational Psychology Organizational psychology is the scientific study of individual and group behavior in formal organizational settings (University of Phoenix 2008).To further this definition, psychology alone focuses on individual behavior. Organizations will fall apart if they would allow its employees to do their own thing and not have structure. Organizational psychology is a must in all organizations. Without organizational psychology, employees will be allowed to do their own thing without being aware of the behavior of their co-workers. Organizational psychology is mostly focused on group-type settings, most commonly in offices and workplace psychology. Industrial psychology also ties into organizational psychology by applying the methods and principals of psychology to the workplace. Research and Statistics The role of research and statistics in organizational...

Words: 864 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Learning and Knowledge

...Running head: KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS AND DOMAIN LEARNING Knowledge Domains and Domain Learning Liliana Maggioni and Patricia A. Alexander University of Maryland In press Keywords: discipline, domain, learning, history, knowledge, mathematics, reading, science, writing. Abstract The roots of current disciplines and domains of study reach well back in history. An exploration of their development shows that these areas of knowledge have not only reflected cultural changes but have also influenced societies, especially through formal educational systems. Besides being characterized by their focus on a particular part of the world, disciplines are also distinguished by a specific way of thinking about their respective domains of study. Psychological research has identified several features of these pathways to knowledge (e.g., reading, writing, history, mathematics, and science) that generally define the landscape of academic practice. Although educational psychologists’ interest in how knowledge develops within specific domains has fluctuated across time, formal education throughout the world is organized around particular fields of studies and students soon come to characterize their experience of school in terms of subject matters. Thus, in education, domains seem to make a difference. The term knowledge domain refers to the part of the world investigated by a specific discipline. In other words, the domain can be characterized as the object (e.g., plants...

Words: 7525 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Research Methodology Lecture 01 to 04

...Research # Describe the Objectives of Research # Elucidate the basic Classification of Research # Elaborate Research Process Briefly # Critically discuss the Principle of Scientific Research  WHAT IS RESEARCH? Research is simply the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors. But business research is systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem encountered in the work setting, which needs a solution. Thus it comprises a series of steps designed and executed, with the goal of finding answers to the issues that are of concern to the manager in the work environment. Hence, Business Research can be defined as a organized, systematic, data-based critical, objective, scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it.  TYPE OF BUSINESS RESEARCH On the basis of the two different purposes of research, it can be categorized in to: # Applied Research: A kind of research work that has been undertaken to solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting which generally demands a timely solution. In other words, it is that type of research which is done with the intention of applying the results of the findings to solve specific problems currently being experienced in the organization. # Basic Research: Another kind of research work that has been...

Words: 1529 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Physics Essay

...Pure Logic vs. Scientific Logic “Reasoning is an art, and reasoning about the natural world is the art that lies at the base of science” (Castel and Sismondo 55). Pure logic is “a form of reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity” (Oxford Dictionaries). In contrast, scientific logic is a form of reasoning in which a logical thought process is used to conduct experiments and research in order to reach a valid conclusion. Altogether, pure and scientific logic are different forms of reasoning used to solve everyday problems in life; yet, it is ‘scientific logic’ that is more prevalent in solving everyday problems, including critical interpretations of major problems on earth. Scientific logic is the best choice to cope with life problems in the midst of global issues; it helps facilitate our logical expertise in daily matters; it is both predictable and reliable; and on a greater scale, scientific logic helps us deal with the widespread problems on earth. With the growth of science and new emerging technologies, life is becoming more complicated, therefore relying purely on logic is insufficient. “Most of the time very little follows logically from what we know, and when we think that it does we learn that most of our knowledge consists of generalizations that don’t hold 100 percent of the time” (Castel and Sismondo 71). People live in a world of probability and because “scientific reasoning develops over time,” (Castel and Sismondo 74) they...

Words: 1673 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Unit 1

...structuralism. Brief examples of each approach are outlined under each topic. The common threads of behaviorism, gestalt, and structuralism are contrasted and compared in basic terms, and their influence on present-day psychology is discussed. Unit 1 – Individual Project This paper discusses three methods in the evolution of psychology: structuralism, behaviorism, and gestalt. To better understand the concepts of each, it’s important to list examples of each method, as well as compare and contrast the differences of each and how each impact modern-day psychology. Structuralism The structural approach to psychology sought to quantify the human experience, the human mind, in a scientific way (Reed, 2010). Simply put, structuralism is the study of how people respond to stimuli; it’s the study of human perception (Education Portal, 2012). It was thought that, through the process of Introspection, surface behavior held clues to deeply buried issues that could only be identified by the therapist (Narrative Therapy Chicago, 2012). An example of structuralism, with regard to therapy, was the use of Introspection, wherein the therapist would, for example, play a sound, or ask the patient to jump in the air. He would then observe the reaction to the stimuli, and ask, “How does that make you feel?” Between the unconscious reaction and introspective response of the patient, the therapist believed he could uncover clues to the patient’s problem. Behaviorism Behaviorism asserts...

Words: 876 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Human Service and Research Methods

...Human Service and Research Methods Throughout the numerous human service fields, research is necessary from determining risk to providing solutions. The correct research method increases the ability to make the proper decisions for each situation. The scientific method is one many people learn early in life because this method increases understanding and answers many questions throughout the numerous fields. As a social science many questions need answers, the scientific method assists researchers in discovering these answers. A clear comprehension of the quantitative and qualitative methods allows researchers to know when to use what method. At times both these methods are necessary, knowledge about how and when to incorporate the mixed method is essential. An understanding of the different methods and how they can influence the functions within the human service field is crucial. Scientific Method “The scientific method is the basic method, guide, and system by which we originate, refine, extend, and apply knowledge in all fields,” (Edmund, 2011, What is the Scientific Method, Para. 4).  The text (Creswell, 2008, p. 51) sums these stages into six areas of focus; “identifying the research question, reviewing the literature, specifying a purpose, collecting data, analyzing data, and evaluating research.” The scientific method allows researchers to address many common questions, reach beyond other conclusions, and by using empirical reasoning to decide what is true, (Rosnow...

Words: 1409 - Pages: 6