Here is the link to the article:https://www-sciencedirect-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/science/article/pii/S1364032116305123This is a Sample: Scientific Methods/Reasoning
The scientific article initially presented a simple testable question, hypothesis, which is investigating whether or
not changing the material will lead to a higher power output. Then through empiricism they recorded data from
human trials to support the validity of harvesting energy from walking. Their findings illustrated that Teflon’s
low coefficient of friction improved power output over acrylic and, through human trials, power harvesting is
possible outside the Laboratory.
Testable Questions
The simplicity of the author’s hypothesis, using a Teflon container will lead to more power output form
the device, strengthened the validity of the study. The author’s hypothesis is clear and simple, this
articulated to the audience what he intended to demonstrate in the subsequent parts of his paper. One of
their changes involved the box since “Coefficients of friction vary between materials, […] due to the
lower coefficient of friction of Teflon, it is expected to have a reduced damping and thus higher power
output” (p. 263). The author’s hypothesis to use a different material to reduce the Coefficient of friction
of the box means the magnet will have less resistance during oscillations. Therefore, the device will
produce more power because more oscillation will occur. Adding to the validity of the article, the
premise of reducing friction in the device by using materials with lower coefficients of friction is a
intuitive notion well know in engineering and physics. The testable question supports their purpose,
which is to increase the power produced by the device and adds to the articles validity. Parsimony
At first, it may seem as if the system used in the study is very complex. It contains a light
pipe, a motion sensor, a light sensor, electronic ballasts and lamps, and a data
acquisition card. A simpler system could use only a light pipe. However, the authors
provide reasoning for this, and it is apparent that the system is actually quite simple. The
components in the system all contribute to the algorithm that it follows. The motion
sensor detects whether there is motion or not, if there is no motion, no lamp light from the
lamps and ballasts will be provided. If there is motion, the light sensor detects how much
light is already in the room, and the ballasts and lamps add to this difference until the
desired illumination level is reached. It is a simple algorithm, which accounts for the
current illumination intensity, in order to ensure sufficient use and conservation of energy.
The system is as simple as it can possibly be to meet the following requirements: only
using artificial light when the room is in use, and when it is in use, only using the amount
of artificial light needed to supplement the natural light provided from the light-pipe. The
use of such a logical, straightforward system adds to the authors’ credibility, and makes
the study comprehensible to readers.
At first, it may seem as if the system used in the study is very complex. It contains a light
pipe, a motion sensor, a light sensor, electronic ballasts and lamps, and a data
acquisition card. A simpler system could use only a light pipe. However, the authors
provide reasoning for this, and it is apparent that the system is actually quite simple. The
components in the system all contribute to the algorithm that it follows. The motion
sensor detects whether there is motion or not, if there is no motion, no lamp light from the
lamps and ballasts will be provided. If there is motion, the light sensor detects how much
light is already in the room, and the ballasts and lamps add to this difference until the
desired illumination level is reached. It is a simple algorithm, which accounts for the
current illumination intensity, in order to ensure sufficient use and conservation of energy.
The system is as simple as it can possibly be to meet the following requirements: only
using artificial light when the room is in use, and when it is in use, only using the amount
of artificial light needed to supplement the natural light provided from the light-pipe. The
use of such a logical, straightforward system adds to the authors’ credibility, and makes
the study comprehensible to readers. ——————————————————————————————————————————————-Basic Principle of Science: (choose one of this and write about)1. Parsimony: When two plausible explanations are reasonable, the simpler ( more parsimonious) one is preferable. This rule is also known as Ockha’s razor, after the Englsh philosopher who proposed it.2. Uncertainty: Knowledge changes as new new evidence appears, and explaination ( theories) change with new evidence. Theories based on current evidence should be tested on additional evidence, with the undertanding that new data may disprove the best theories.3. Testable questions: To find out wheather a theory is correct, it must be tested, we formulate statements (hypothesis) to test theories.4. Proof of elusive: We rarely expect science to provide absolute proof that a theory is correct, because new evidence may always improve on our current explanations. Even evolution, the cornerstone of modern biology, ecology, and other science, is prefered to as a “theory” because of this principle.
