ResearchMethods: Theories, Theory of Evolution and Flat-Earth (W4-P1) Sp18

We've talked previously about what a theory is.  We've defined it as an explanation of how or why something works.

For our discussion of communication theory let's start with a basic definition of the word theory and a common example from biology and we'll mix in a little flat-earth theory as well.

One of the best explanations of biological evolution and the mechanism that drives evolution is found in Carl Sagan's Cosmos video series which was based on the book Cosmos. In the following video Sagan describes the process of artificial selection.  As you are watching this clip from Cosmos, be sure to identify and be able to explain the mechanism that drives evolution.

Let's start first in Japan some time ago and the story of a drowned boy-emperor, a small crab and the idea of artificial selection.  Notice how theory and theory building starts with an observation of something in the world and then asking asking how and why.  How's that work?  Why does that happen?  That is, it starts with a little curiosity.







In this short clip the process is explained in a different way. Slow the process down and catch each step. It starts with organisms vary.






Flat-Earth Theory

Now let's move to a different kind of theory, a theory that explains the world and our place in it by saying the Earth is flat, not round.  What are your initial reactions to that idea?

This may lead to the idea that there are good theories and bad theories, better explanations of the world we observe and not so good explanations.  How does one judge theories?  How does one critique?

Let's go back to Dr. Sagan and see how he approaches the flat earth theory.



Dr. Sagan was a famous science communicator often appearing on TV from the 1970s to the 1990s to explain scientific concepts.

Let's update things now.  Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson follows in Dr. Sagan's footsteps as today's famous science communicator.  You may have seen Dr. Tyson on TV or on the web.

Dr. Tyson offers his critique of the flat-earth theory.



How did he critique the flat earth theory?  How do you judge a theory?

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