Option #1: Using the Scientific Method to Challenge our Thinking
Directions:
Using the concepts and ideas learned in Modules 1-9 in Lau and Chan (2017), write an essay in response to the following prompts:
- How does the scientific method aid human critical reasoning processes?
- How and why have you made assumptions or inferences on important matters, regardless of data or evidence to the contrary? Examples here might include: fad diets, telepathy, precognition, psychokinesis, vaccinations, UFOs, magnetic therapy, apparitions, cold fusion, Bigfoot, alternative forms of medicines, genetically modified plants, etc. Describe how you have thought about this issue and analyze how you could improve your critical reasoning on this issue using the scientific method.
Requirements:
- Cite all claims and ideas using scholarly sources. While it is acceptable to write in the first person, be sure to cite your sources to support your inferences.
- Include at least one or two scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library (Links to an external site.) is a good place to find these sources.
- Your paper should be four to five pages in length and formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA (Links to an external site.).
- Papers should be double-spaced, 12-point font Times New Roman.
- Include the following in your essay: a brief introduction (Links to an external site.), a conclusion (Links to an external site.), and a reference page formatted according to CSU-Global APA requirements.
Option #2: Persuasive Letter to a Friend
Directions:
Using the concepts and ideas learned in Modules 1-9 of Lau and Chan (2017), write a letter to a close relative or friend who rejects the scientific consensus on an important issue. In this letter, address the following questions:
- How would you define scientific theories and how they operate?
- Why do scientists employ the idea of falsifiability?
- How would you try to convince this person to examine the issue using the scientific method in order to come to clear and careful assessments?
- Why would you argue for engaging scientific, peer-reviewed sources on the issue?
Requirements:
- Cite all claims and ideas using scholarly sources. While it is acceptable to write in the first person, be sure to cite your sources to support your inferences.
- Include at least one or two scholarly sources that are not required or recommended readings for this course. The CSU-Global Library (Links to an external site.) is a good place to find these sources.
- Your paper should be four to five pages in length and formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA (Links to an external site.).
- Papers should be double-spaced, 12-point font Time New Roman.
- Include the following in your essay: a brief introduction, a conclusion, and a reference page formatted according to CSU-Global APA requirements.
Reference
Van Cleave, M. (2016). Introduction to logic and critical thinking. Retrieved from https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/BookDetail.aspx?bookId=457
