the scientific method is one application of critical thinking.

the scientific method is one application of critical thinking.

The Importance of Critical Thinking in the Scientific Method

1. Introduction

The scientific method tests hypotheses, clarifies questions, and gains understanding. The scientific method is useful in critical thinking. It is used for making a decision or solving a problem. Critical thinking is the ability to take a problem, break it down, and decide on a solution. Critical thinking involves logic as well as creativity. It is not pure logic because it makes decisions based on personal statements, information, and emotions. Critical thinking is relative to the time, culture, and personal situation and uses a decision based on evidence. The scientific method and critical thinking are considered to be the same thing. Though the scientific method is used in many ways of thinking and decision making, it is a poor method of decision that is based on opinion. This is due to the fact that the hypothesis is a possible solution or explanation to a problem. It uses inductive reasoning to come to a conclusion that disregards the evidence. An example would be a trial and error of different methods to cure a disease past a medicine. The medicine may have harmful side effects or it may be worsening the situation, but the patient and doctor will continue to use the medicine or method because there is no evidence showing where the method is failing. Inductive reasoning concludes that the method is effective and this often leads to false conclusions.

2. Understanding Critical Thinking

In scientific method, critical thinking is important because it enables one to analyze, evaluate, explain, and restructure their thinking, thereby decreasing the risk of adopting, acting on, or thinking with a false belief. During the processes of the scientific method one must be able to reason effectively about their thinking with the goal of establishing a belief, or a set of beliefs, upon which actions will be taken. Establishing the right beliefs with the scientific method will in turn provide the right action according to the situation. If at any point of an action it is deduced that there is a discrepancy between the desired outcome and the actual outcome, one must stop and reflect, in order to continue the right type of thinking with the method indicated by the desired outcome, will end in the action with the desired outcome.

Critical thinking, the process of thinking about any topic or content, in order to make up one’s mind what to believe or what to do, is a skill that few have but many seek. Humans have the ability to think critically, but what sets us apart from the animal kingdom is that we choose to do so. The first documented account of critical thinking was in 1906, in the book “How We Think” by John Dewey. He introduced the then revolutionary idea of “reflective thought”, a thinking that is active, persistent, and careful. His work is still relevant today for in any given situation one must stop, think, and then act.

3. The Scientific Method and Critical Thinking

The image of the scientist that is drawn from common knowledge is often that of the geeky, genius, idea-driven individual who is working feverously to uncover some new and fantastic explanation of the workings of the world. And while this intelligence does have a place in the world of science, the mental characteristics that are most valuable to scientists using the scientific method are curiosity and relentless skepticism. This is because when using the scientific method to solve a problem or answer a question, the researcher will ask the question, develop a hypothesis or educated guess, and then begin to search for an answer.

Scientific methods are crucial to an understanding of the correct and incorrect conclusions scientists may draw about the world around us. Often times, people believe everything they see and hear because it is said by a credible source, such as a scientist, teacher, clergy, or even a political leader. Even though the person stating the information has a credential, it does not ensure that they are stating the truth. Many decisions each day are based on the information people receive from educated or credible authorities on a given topic; however, the information often is not accurate, and it is these inaccuracies that individuals using the scientific method are able to uncover. Science is a dynamic, changing, self-correcting process.

4. Benefits of Applying Critical Thinking in the Scientific Method

Moreover, critical thinking in the scientific method can result in scientific advancement. A researcher who reflects on possible errors in his experiment and draws on causes and effects can discover and solve the problem, which can result in a discovery. He will be able to prove a theory or the cause of the occurrence more effectively. Moreover, critical thinking can always bring new solutions and is a necessary way of thinking for times when an answer is not easily forthcoming. This is often the case in scientific research, and critically thinking about a problem can lead to a new theory that can then be researched. An example of this is the use of controlled double-blind experiments in medicine, which were established as a result of critical thinking on how to more effectively test the effectiveness of new treatments. Finally, critical thinking can improve the quality of an experiment. Considering alternative theories and being open to the idea that there may be more than one cause for a particular occurrence can result in the design of a more complex and ultimately more effective experiment.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, critical thinking is central to the scientific method. Without the ability to think critically, scientific claims have little credibility. All teachings in science are based on the ideas and theories of those who have demonstrated critical thinking. When students are able to apply critical thinking skills to what they have learned, they are able to grasp a better understanding of how the scientific method is used. This, in turn, helps them to better understand the importance of the critical thinking process to scientific theory. As a result, they begin to see science as the means of asking questions and answering them logically, using the scientific method and critical thinking as tools to the end. By teaching critical thinking and encouraging students to develop this skill with respect to science, the scientific method, and scientific thinking, we enable them to hold a better understanding of the world and the events which take place in it. At the same time, we better prepare them to take an active and knowledgeable part in decisions which affect their own lives and the future of the planet.