2. 1.4.1 SCIENCE AS A PROCESS
• Scientist have more overemphasized the product
of science than the method of acquiring this
knowledge in scientific method, observation and
systematic control of variables have been the most
important ones. Observation is a basic process in
science. The scientist first observes the events or
facts happening around him.
3. • The observations then form the theory. Another basic
process is controlling the variables. For the purposes of
experiments, an experimentis done in which all factors is
the essentially scientific approach to an experimental
investigation. Harlan defines a process as any cognitive
process involving interaction with content. Processes are
certain ways for investigation problems. For example,
observing, making hypotheses, designing and carrying
out experiments, evaluating data, measuring, and so on.
4. • Prof. Arthur Livermore has given a list of process of
science for the AASS commission of science
Education published in JRST. They are as follows.
• 1. Process of observation: Observation maybe
made in a variety of ways using different senses.
On the basis of observations, data are collected.
And inferences are drawn.
5. •2. Process of classification: Objects and
events may be classified on the basis of
observations. Classification schemes are
based on the similarities and differences
of objects.It provides basis for and order
of nature.
6. •3. Process of measuring: Measuring gives us
useful information in our
exploration.Measuring properties of objects
and events can be accompanied by direct
comparison or by indirect comparison. There
are manydevices to help the scientists to
make accurate measurements.
7. • 4. Communication process :Communicationisa
valuable skillwiththe help of which pupils
communicate observations. It is essential to keep
accurate records whichcanbechecked whenneeded.
Completeexperimentalreports areessential to
scientific communication.
8. •5. Space-Time relation process: This
process involves the investigation and
use of shapes, distance, motion and
speed.
9. •6. Experimenting process: It is process of
gathering data for the purposes of
testing a hypothesis. Experiments are
conducted to make observations. In an
experiment, variables may be identified
and controlled. As much as possible.
10. • 7. Hypotheses Evaluation process: Questions are
framed on the basis of observations to evaluate an
event. The formulation of hypotheses depends
directly upon these questions. The process consists
of devising a statementwhich can be tested by
experiment. A workable hypothesis is stated in
such a way that upon testing, its credibility may be
established
11. • 8. Data Interpreting process: Interpreting data
requires the application of other basic process of
skills, in particular the processes of inferring
predicting, classifying and communicating. It is
through this process. That the usefulness of data is
determined in answering the question being
investigated. Interpretations are always subject to
revision in the light of new or more refined data.
12. •9. Process of making operational
definitions: Operational definitions are
made in order to simplify
communication. They are based upon
the observable characteristics of the
phenomenon. Mostly, they are precise.
13. •10. Model formulation process: Models,
whether physical or mental are derived
on the basis of acceptable hypothesis.
Models are used to describe and explain
the inter-relationships of ideas. In many
cases, the models imply new hypothesis.
14. 1.4.2 SCIENCE AS A PRODUCT
• The product is obtained at the end of a process. All the
modern developments, gadgets, ideas, principles,
concepts, theories, laws, are the results of scientific
process. The bodyof knowledge accumulated through the
process leads to new inquiry which leads to a new
discovery. Thus, this is a continuous cycle. Facts, concepts,
principles, theories and scientific gadgets are the basic
products of science.
15. •1. Facts: They are the specific verifiable pieces
of Information, obtained
throughobservationsandmeasurements.
Theycanbe verifiedatdifferenttimes at
different places. Some facts are universal and
they do not need the time and place to
verified. For example, the sun. Rises in the
east is a universal fact.
