Active learning ideas
Objectivity and Values in Science examines the 'human' side of scientific inquiry. While science is often portrayed as a purely objective pursuit of truth, this topic explores how societal values, ethical constraints, and funding sources influence what is researched and how results are interpreted. This is a critical area for SEAB KI AO2, as it asks students to evaluate the claim of scientific neutrality. In Singapore, where research is often aligned with national strategic goals (like water security or urban sustainability), this discussion is highly relevant.
Activity 01
Set up a trial where a scientist is 'accused' of bias because their research on sugar was funded by a soda company. Students play the roles of lawyers, witnesses, and jury to debate if the funding invalidates the scientific findings.
Can human behavior be studied scientifically?
Activity 02
Create stations with different case studies: CRISPR gene editing, climate change data, and pharmaceutical trials. At each station, groups must identify the 'hidden' values or societal pressures influencing the scientific process.
What is the role of interpretation in social sciences?
Activity 03
Students read a short prompt about whether a scientist should develop a weapon. They reflect individually on whether 'pure' science can be separated from its application, then share their views with a partner to find common ground.
How do values influence social research?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
If science is influenced by values, it is 'fake' or 'bad' science.
Students often think any value-influence equals bias. Through collaborative investigations, they learn that values (like honesty or simplicity) are actually *internal* to the scientific method, and societal values often determine the *direction* of research without necessarily ruining the data.
Scientists are perfectly objective individuals.
Students may idolize scientists as logic machines. Role-playing exercises help them see that scientists are human 'knowers' with their own biases, and that scientific objectivity comes from the *community* and peer-review process, not just the individual.
Methods used in this brief
The Scientific Method and Falsification
Analyze the methodologies of the natural sciences, focusing on induction, deduction, and Popper's theory of falsification. Evaluate the objectivity of scientific paradigms.
8 methodologies
Mathematics and Formal Logic
Investigate the nature of mathematical knowledge and its relationship to the physical world. Discuss the certainty and a priori nature of formal logic.
8 methodologies