Solving everyday problems with the scientific method [electronic resource] : thinking like a scientist / Don K Mak, Angela T Mak, Anthony B Mak.

Cover image for Solving everyday problems with the scientific method [electronic resource] : thinking like a scientist / Don K Mak, Angela T Mak, Anthony B Mak.

ISBN:

9789812835109

9781282441132

Title:

Solving everyday problems with the scientific method [electronic resource] : thinking like a scientist / Don K Mak, Angela T Mak, Anthony B Mak.

Author:

Mak, Don K.

Personal Author:

Mak, Don K.

Publication Information:

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiii, 220 pages) : illustrations

Contents:

1. Prelude -- 2. The scientific method. 2.1. Edwin Smith papyrus. 2.2. Greek philosophy (4th century BC). 2.3. Islamic philosophy (8th century AD-15th century AD). 2.4. European science (12th century AD-16th century AD). 2.5. Scientific Revolution (1543 AD-18th century AD). 2.6. Humanism and empiricism. 2.7. The scientific method. 2.8. Application of the scientific method to everyday problem -- 3. Observation. 3.1. External information. 3.2. Internal information -- 4. Hypothesis. 4.1. Abduction. 4.2. Wild conjectures. 4.3. Albert Einstein -- 5. Experiment. 5.1. Experiment versus hypothesis. 5.2. Platonic, Aristotelian, Baconian, and Galilean methodology -- 6. Recognition. 6.1. John Nash -- 7. Problem situation and problem definition. 7.1. Perspectives on different levels. 7.2. Perspectives on the same level -- 8. Induction and deduction. 8.1. Induction. 8.2. Deduction -- 9. Alternative solutions. 9.1. Lotion bottle with a pump dispenser -- 10. Relation. 10.1. Creativity. 10.2. Scientific research and scientific method. 10.3. Can we be more creative? -- 11. Mathematics -- 12. Probable value -- 13. Epilogue.

Local Note:

eBooks on EBSCOhost

Subject Term:

Science -- Methodology.

Problem solving -- Methodology.

Added Author:

Mak, Angela T.

Mak, Anthony B.

Added Corporate Author:

World Scientific (Firm)

Format:

Electronic Resources

Electronic Access:

Click here to view

Publication Date:

2009

Publication Information:

Available:*

Shelf Number	Material Type	Copy	Shelf Location	Status
501 22	1:E-BOOK	1	1:ONLINE	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

This book describes how one can use The Scientific Method to solve everyday problems including medical ailments, health issues, money management, traveling, shopping, cooking, household chores, etc. It illustrates how to exploit the information collected from our five senses, how to solve problems when no information is available for the present problem situation, how to increase our chances of success by redefining a problem, and how to extrapolate our capabilities by seeing a relationship among heretofore unrelated concepts.One should formulate a hypothesis as early as possible in order to have a sense of direction regarding which path to follow. Occasionally, by making wild conjectures, creative solutions can transpire. However, hypotheses need to be well-tested. Through this way, The Scientific Method can help readers solve problems in both familiar and unfamiliar situations. Containing real-life examples of how various problems are solved -- for instance, how some observant patients cure their own illnesses when medical experts have failed -- this book will train readers to observe what others may have missed and conceive what others may not have contemplated. With practice, they will be able to solve more problems than they could previously imagine.

Reviews (1)

Choice Review

The number of additional pages in the second edition of this book is due to the many examples that attempt to demonstrate the scientific process. These examples range from purchasing to interpreting medical test results to travel experiences. Chapters titled "Observation," "Hypothesis," and "Experiment" are now joined by chapters titled "Recognition" and "Induction and Deduction" and other chapters on brainstorming solutions and creative thinking, which are enhanced by numerous illustrations. A chapter on mathematics includes 30 examples demonstrating the thought processes for evaluating interest rates, currency exchanges, sales and best buys, and health-related assessments, which highlight creative thought in attacking the problems. The biggest shortcoming of this book is the editing. It is disorienting to read an example when the main character pronouns change from him to her and distracting when poor syntax interrupts sentences. This occurs throughout the book. There is a keyword index, a few tables and graphs, and a bibliography that is worth exploring. There is no information on the authors' affiliations or qualifications. This reviewer believes the book is not appropriate for academic institutions. Instead, librarians should consider Stephen S. Carey's A Beginner's Guide to Scientific Method (4th ed., 2012). Summing Up: Recommended. General readers only. --Leilani A. Hall, California State University, Sacramento