Explain why it is important that all individuals—not just scientists—have a clear understanding of science as a method of inquiry.

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Metabo-Herb Activity—Critical Questions In-class Activity
1. Scientific Foundation: Scientific investigations provide a scientific grounding for proposed explanations and hypotheses.

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Facilitator

What specific claims do the manufactures make about their product?

Explain why it is important that all individuals—not just scientists—have a clear understanding of science as a method of inquiry.

2. Research Design: The appropriate employment of control and experimental study groups, selection of appropriate dependent and independent variables, and control of potential confounding variables are vital aspects of scientific investigations.

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Facilitator

Identify the following components of the study:
Control Group:
Experimental Group:
Dependent Variable:
Independent Variable:
Controlled Variable(s):

Does the experiment describe an appropriate test of the claims made by the manufacturer? Explain.

3. Data Analysis & Conclusions: Science is a method of inquiry that is based on a critical evaluation of data.
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Facilitator

Is there any statistical analysis of the data? —Why is it important to utilize statistical procedures to analyze data?

What conclusions can be drawn from the data?

4. Validity of Claims: A critical evaluation of scientific claims through the process of ‘peer review’ is a hallmark of science as a method of inquiry. In this process, other scientists critically analyze the methods and results of a study to help establish the validity of the findings.

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Facilitator

In science, before a scientific investigation is published, it must go through the process of ‘peer-review.’ In this process, other scientists who are specialists in the area of investigation critically analyze the methods and results of a study to help establish the validity of the findings. Why is it important that science relies on the process of peer-review?

Why is important for citizens to critically review information and facts that are found in advertising, social media, and internet sites?