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Understanding and Using Scientific Evidence
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Understanding and Using Scientific Evidence
How to Critically Evaluate Data

First Edition

September 2003 | 198 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
The basic understanding which underlies scientific evidence - ideas such as the structure of experiments, causality, repeatability, validity and reliability- is not straightforward. But these ideas are needed to judge evidence in school science, in physics or chemistry or biology or psychology, in undergraduate science, and in understanding everyday issues to do with science.

It is essential to be able to be critical of scientific evidence. The authors clearly set out the principles of investigation so that the reader will be confident in questioning the experts, making an informed choice or arriving at in informed opinion. The book is intended for a wide range of readers including those who want to:

} collect their own evidence

} be able to question and judge a wide range of science-based issues that we come across in the press or other media in everyday life

} teach others how to understand evidence.

This book has been developed from the authors' work with first year undergraduates in a combined science course and in primary teacher training for science specialists. It is suitable for students training as primary science specialists, and also for 'A' level and first-year undergraduates in science and science-related subjects.


 
Introduction
 
The Design of a Simple Investigation
 
Different Types of Variables
 
Other, and More Complex, Designs
 
Making the Best Use of Tables and Graphs
 
What do the Data Mean?
 
Are the Measurements Good Enough?
 
Samples and Populations
 
Lots of Measurements
 
Data as Part of Evidence

This provides concise and helpful guidance for students who have not had a great deal of experience working with and interpreting data prior to commencing undergraduate study.

Mrs Rebecca Stinson
Health, Human Development & Community Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
June 23, 2015

We cannot push our students to read it, but we will strongly recommend it in order to highlight the importance of evidence, and the proper handling of it.

Miss Meike Bergs
Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen
October 9, 2012

For basic understating this book is ideal

Miss Sarah Browne
School of Sport & Exercise Science, Worcester University
September 15, 2012

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781446239452

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ISBN: 9780761970835
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This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.