Scientific Method in Practice (Paperback)

by Hugh G. Gauch Jr (Author) "This book explores the general principles of scientific method that pervade all of the sciences, focusing on practical aspects..." (more)
Key Phrases: plants lack nitrogen, frequentist hypothesis tests, overfit spurious noise, Duns Scotus, Francis Bacon, David Hume (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'In encouraging scientists to examine the basic beliefs and attitudes they share, Gauch provides an enriching journey into a humanities-rich version of science. And because it is a book written by a scientist for scientists, its practical use improves productivity while enriching the experience of discovery.' Marye Anne Fox, Chancellor of the University of California, former President of Sigma Xi (2001 - 2002), and Chair of the National Research Council Committee on Undergraduate Science Education

'Written by a scientist for scientists, this is an impressive and comprehensive treatment of the principles of scientific method. Hugh Gauch provides an important, and well-informed, contribution to our contemporary understanding of the practice of science.' Roger Trigg, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick and Chair of the British Philosophical Association

'Hugh Gauch's discussion of the science wars and the impact this has had on science education is significant and important. Extensive international studies reflect the regrettable consequences of such philosophical diversions. This book helps one understand the issues.' William H. Schmidt, University Distinguished Professor of Education at Michigan State University and National Research Coordinator for the U.S. participation in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

'Gauch's claim that a deeper appreciation of the philosophical and theoretical principles undergirding the scientific method would improve the focus, effectiveness and productivity of research scientists is fundamentally sound. Using examples drawn from many fields in science and technology, including pharmacology and clinical medicine, he ably illustrates the relevance and practical benefits of his ideas. This book has much to offer students, educators and professional scientists alike.' Bartholomew J. Votta, Senior Investigator, Department of Musculoskel et. al. Diseases, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals

'... a resource that should improve the perspective and productivity of almost any student, educator or professional scientist who reads it.' Journal of Biological Education

'... educationalists should find much of benefit in Gauch's elaboration of 'Scientific Method in Practice'. Science & Education

Product Description
This book is the first synthesis of the practice and the philosophy of the scientific method. It offers scientists a deeper understanding of the underpinnings of the scientific method, thereby leading to more productive research and experimentation. It also provides a greater perspective on the rationality of the scientific approach and its role in society. Topics relevant to a variety of disciplines are treated, and clarifying figures, case studies, and chapter summaries enhance the pedagogy.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (November 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521017084
• ISBN-13: 978-0521017084
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #254,900 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book to answer the question is this Ph.D. just a technical degree?, October 21, 2008

By	A Reader (California USA) - See all my reviews

As stated in its introduction, this book was motivated by the concerns (perhaps fears is a more apt description) of a doctoral student who felt that she would not have an opportunity to learn about the "philosophy of science." Neither in her coursework nor in informal interactions with her professors.

Although I now believe that this common concern/fear is really more aworry than a reality (and is best addressed by the demarcation problem/boundary work [e.g., science and religion studies as found in Oxford Professor John Hendley Brooke's books/papers]), the inability of many intelligent professors (especially the younger ones) to adequately address it when asked has marred the experience of students in more than a few major doctoral degree-granting research programs.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ordinary citizen finds value, January 24, 2007

By	Charles Madden (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I cannot add anything to the other reviews from a professinal point of view. I am an ordinary citizen trying to make sense of statistics.

This book cuts through the fog emminently well. The explanations of the Bayesian approach and of parsimony are excellent.

It's nice to know that we can prove something true (beyond reasonable doubt, at least) instead of having to prove things to be not true. How confusing it is to have to prove a "null hypothesis" not true so that we can have a vague double negative about the truth of our alternative hypotheses.

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Apparently, a healthier philosophy of science, April 26, 2005

By	Stefan Jetchick (Sillery, Quebec Canada) - See all my reviews

If you're going to conduct research tomorrow and need a "how-to" book, there might be better choices. A more accurate title could be: "A Healthier Philosophy of Science; Making Mincemeat out of Popper, Lakatos, Kuhn and Feyerabend".

I really enjoyed the book, although I'm "Math-Impaired" so I can't judge the more technical sections. Aspiring scientists should read it once, I think.

The only serious shortcoming is when he says: "Science rests on faith", p. 152, because of the bad influence of Thomas Reid. A more appropriate epistemological foundation would be "Thonnard, F.-J., Précis de philosophie, Paris, Desclée, 1950" (sorry, out of print, but I want to translate it and put it on my website, God willing).

For more info, Google my name.