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Course Details
Develops simple, yet powerful methods for understanding and evaluating a wide variety of scientific and pseudo scientific material. Introduces some of the great thinkers and theories of the past, both winners and losers. Reflects on what makes scientific reasoning so effective, and uses these reflections to evaluate some contemporary criticisms of the place of science in society.
Prerequisite(s)
BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.
*(A)* This is NOT a SELF-PACED course. There will be specific timelines for assignments and exams. Course content, kind and quality of assignments and general standards for this online course are the same as classroom courses. You will have discussions and assignments to complete each week (although you do NOT have to be online at a particular time or day). *(B)* FINAL EXAMS: Your instructor will provide further information regarding format and date of all exams.
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Status
This course offering is in progress. Please check back next term or subscribe to receive email updates.
In Progress
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
Distinguish theoretical models from real-world objects of study.
Abstract brief descriptions of theoretical models from popular or semi-technical science reports.
Recognize the empirical predictions of such models.
Note whether these predictions are actually fulfilled in observation or experiment (negative or positive evidence).
Judge whether there are other plausible models that can (also) explain the facts.
Judge whether to accept, reject or suspend judgement on whether the proposed model accurately represents the world.
Judge whether the proposed model is credible, but needs further development or testing; or judge that the proposed model is implausible, and (currently, at least) not worth pursuing.
See how historically eminent scientific models triumphed over then-plausible contemporary views.
The students will have read through James Watson's classic, The Double Helix, as well as the brief historical episodes discussed in the texts.
The students will also have been provided with further details regarding the historical episodes discussed in the text. Such nuances can help reveal how and when theory evaluations are tied to theoretical traditions.
See that 'marginal science' models are generally not worth accepting or pursuing because (i) they make vague or multiple predictions; (ii) their predictive 'successes' are also explained by more plausible models; or (iii) they are deeply inconsistent with well-established theories.
Recognize and intelligently engage with some alternative philosophies of science.
Distinguish sample and statistical models from the larger population they are designed to represent.
Understand statistical proportions, distributions, correlations and variables.
Understand basic mathematical probability models (addition, multiplication rules, conditional probabilities, the structure of random sampling, and standard deviation).
Quickly compute margins of error from sample sizes.
Recognize the connection between margin of error and confidence level.
Construct simple statistical models of reported proportions, distributions and correlations.
Recognize and evaluate samples according to how well they approximate random sampling.
Distinguish statistical significance from 'significance.'
Judge whether a proposed statistical model should be accepted, rejected or treated as unsupported.
Distinguish causation from correlation.
Distinguish deterministic from probabilistic models of causation.
Distinguish causal models for individuals from those for populations.
Understand causal 'effectiveness.'
Understand the role of control and experimental groups in establishing causal hypotheses.
Understand the theoretical superiority of Randomized Experimental Designs for supporting causal hypotheses.
See when Prospective and Retrospective causal models are required, and when they can support a causal hypothesis.
Understand controlling for other variables, matching control and experimental groups, and constructing control groups (in Retrospective studies).
(If time permits.) Understand the elements of decision-making models (options, states of the world, outcomes and values).
Distinguish ranked from measured values.
Recognize when a situation calls for decision making with certainty, uncertainty, or risk.
Grasp better, worse and satisfactory options and correlated strategies.
Combine probabilities and values, in terms of expected values in situations involving known risks.
Effective as of Fall 2003
Related Programs
LIBS 7006 is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Business + Media
Accounting Full-time/Part-time Bachelor of Accounting
Books for Winter 2021 offerings of this course are available in the following BCIT
online bookstores. Please choose the bookstore appropriate for the offering
you are considering.
BCIT Distance & Online Learning Bookstore
If you are taking this course through either Distance Education or Online Learning, please purchase books for this course at the BCIT Distance & Online Learning Bookstore.
Philosophy Of Science: A Very Short Intro
Author
Okasha
Publisher
Oxf
Copyright
2016
Binding
Paperback
ISBN
978-0-19874-558-7
Price
$9.95
Required
Understanding Scientific Reasoning
Author
Giere
Publisher
Wad
Copyright
2006
Binding
Paperback
ISBN
978-0-15506-326-6
Price
$171.95
Required
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Classroom Locations
Classroom locations are subject to last minute changes. Please check the Part-time Studies Classroom Locations listing at www.bcit.ca/rooms on the first day of any course you are registered for.