The Scientific Method: What does it mean to you?

05/19/16 • 26 min

Our first Sci on the Fly Podcast: “The Scientific Method: What does it mean to you?” involves a discussion on the scientific method. In its most general sense the scientific method is simply a form of asking and answering research questions. Yet in practice, particularly in elementary and middle school education, the scientific method is more prescriptive and points future scientists in the direction of experimentation and hypothesis testing. While in many science disciplines this is how research is conducted, there are others- like in some social sciences- where this is too formulaic and prevents the generation of new information. In this episode, six current AAAS S&T fellows discuss the variation of scientific methods across disciplines, the diversity of research questions that science can answer, and the importance of a more heterogeneous approach to understanding the scientific method.

Next Episode

Will the Olympics Spread Zika?

Do you know where and when Zika virus emerged? With the arrival of the 31st Olympiad in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the location thought to be the epicenter of the Zika outbreak in the Americas, this podcast examines the origins of Zika as well as the public health concerns regarding a potential pandemic. Fellows Beth Linas, Claire Schulkey, and Shobhana Gupta describe the history of the Zika virus and how mass gatherings, such as the Olympics, could spread disease. This episode includes a guest perspective on Zika, health systems, and global health from Bruce Y. Lee, Associate Professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

** A production by the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellows, the Sci on the Fly podcast seeks to encourage public dialogue on science and science policy. Complementing the Sci on the Fly blog, it helps explain and illuminate the best stories shaping the world of science policy.