NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ797061
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jun
Pages: 12
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1571-0068
EISSN: N/A
Connecting Science and Mathematics: The Nature of Scientific and Statistical Hypothesis Testing
Lawson, Anton E.; Oehrtman, Michael; Jensen, Jamie
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v6 n2 p405-416 Jun 2008
Confusion persists concerning the roles played by scientific hypotheses and predictions in doing science. This confusion extends to the nature of scientific and statistical hypothesis testing. The present paper utilizes the "If/and/then/Therefore" pattern of hypothetico-deductive (HD) reasoning to explicate the nature of both scientific and statistical hypothesis testing. The central example is that of Gregor Mendel's test his theory of inheritance and the use of the chi-square statistic to determine the extent to which his predicted and experimental results match. When the processes of scientific and statistical hypothesis testing are cast in HD terms, we find that both involve hypotheses, planned tests, predictions, results and conclusions. However, the former involves causal claims, while the latter is descriptive. Importantly, connecting the two processes reveals that scientific predictions and statistical hypotheses are the same thing. Improved understanding of the similarities and differences of the two processes and their connected role in doing science can be expected to improve general scientific and mathematical literacy. It may also improve the quality of research in science and mathematics education.
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A