Recipes for Science

Today, scientific literacy is an essential aspect of any undergraduate education. Recipes for Science responds to this need by providing an accessible introduction to the nature of science and scientific methods, reasoning, and concepts

Introduction Chapter 1 What Is Science and Why Does It Matter? -- based on 1.1 and 1.2 Chapter 2 The Aims of Science -- based on 1.3 and values discussion in Ch. 8, with more emphasis on the breadth of scientific aims and the diversity of recipes [include discussion of norms of inquiry + explanation from 8.1 + bias/misconduct? Chapter 3 Experiment -- based on 2.1 and 2.2; including examples of large collaborative experiments, experimenters' regress, and experimenting with living entities Chapter 4 Non-Experimental Methods -- based in part on 2.3; observational research, qualitative research, big data, any other variation from experiment Chapter 5 Modeling -- based on Ch. 3; examples of trade-offs and multiple models for same target Chapter 6 Deductive Reasoning -- based on 4.1 and 4.2; streamlined, eliminating System 1 vs 2 discussion Chapter 7 Inductive and Abductive Reasoning -- based on 4.3 Chapter 8 Probabilistic Reasoning -- based on 5.1 and 5.2; add discussion of different interpretations of probability Chapter 9 Descriptive Statistics -- based on 5.3; add discussion of communication of risk Chapter 10 Inferential Statistics -- based on Ch. 6, streamlined and focused more on basic applicable concepts Chapter 11 Causal Reasoning -- based on Ch. 7 Chapter 12 Explanations and Theories -- based on 8.1 and some of 8.2; adding discussion of reduction Chapter 13 Scientific Change -- based on some of 8.2 and 8.3, theory change and realism; new methods in science; current challenges for science Chapter 14 Science and Society - based on diversity in science and values discussions in Ch. 8, include more content about science's role in society, funding sources, participatory research Glossary