Whether the goal is to identify and describe trends and variation in populations, create new measures of key phenomena, or describe samples in studies aimed at identifying causal effects, description plays a critical role in the scientific process in general and education research in particular. Descriptive analysis identifies patterns in data to…

Presents important principles and issues related to postpositivism including logic of confirmation and logic of falsification. Discusses possible applications in science education. Lists 23 references. (YP)

Summarizes teacher effectiveness literature and explores teaching-as-science and teaching-as-art, attempting to choose the best metaphor to describe the profession. The science-process metaphor has a better chance for improving teaching, though becoming a classroom scientist or researcher may be a difficult and lengthy process. Includes 24…

Contemporary philosophy of science is controversial and includes debate about the relativity of scientific knowledge and the rationality of scientific enterprise. Crucial questions and important ramifications for science education are presented through discussion of these philosophical disputes. (DH)

Analyzes the relationship between Karl Popper's philosophy and a 1912 paper by F. G. Hopkins which was instrumental in convincing scientists about merits of the vitamin theory. Concludes that Hopkins' work was convincing because it subjected a theory (which was the center of attention) to the severest possible tests, supporting Popper's position.…

The shift of focus from teachers to curriculum has left supervision as a field struggling to find its place within its own professional organization. This article searches for a proper definition of supervision, highlighting scientific, developmental, and democratic approaches and exploring problems of perspective and common ground. Includes 48…

The limits of falsification are discussed and the historically based models of science described by Lakatos and Kuhn are shown to offer greater insights into the practice of science. The theory of natural selection is used to relate biology to philosophy and scientific method. (Author/JN)

Describes the major components of the solar system and proposes several features that a theory about the solar system should include. Contains explanations of several theories about the origin of the solar system. (TW)

Outlines the chemistry of the rapid synthesis of relatively large DNA fragments (100-200 monomers each) with yields exceeding 99 percent per coupling. DNA synthesis methodologies are outlined and a polymer-supported synthesis of DNA using deoxynucleoside phosphoramidites is described with structural formulas. (YP)

Traces the occupational and intellectual components of sociology's effort to win recognition as a science. Focuses on the model of science used and its limits. Argues that sociology, as quasi-science and quasi-humanities, should be maintaining the empirical outlook of a science while recognizing the impact of civilization on concepts and theories.…

Methods used to investigate problems in the sciences include building-up strategies, insight, and change (or serendipitous discovery). Discusses appropriate learning experiences for the undergraduate science students so they are more likely to benefit from the second method of scientific discovery as they make a career in their chosen field. (JN)

Describes two simulations, written for Apple II microcomputers, focusing on scientific methodology. The first is based on the tendency of colloidal iron in high concentrations to stick to fish gills and cause breathing difficulties. The second, modeled after the dioxin controversy, examines a hypothetical chemical thought to cause cancer. (JN)

Introductory biology students at a major university completed a field project which taught them investigative skills in scientific research, including the scientific method and substantiation of their results through use of periodical literature. Librarians became actively involved by providing library instruction as part of the project. Sample…

Demonstrates what theoretical physicists make a rule using juggling. Provides the thinking process and calculating procedure. (YP)

Explores how some of the work in the history and philosophy of science might develop a more adequate understanding of students' untutored ideas. Describes how students' views can be interpreted. Explains and discusses the merits of commonsense-scientific theory analogy. (YP)