Guidelines for judging scientific thought

The following is an example of guidelines for judging SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT. As the levels increase, so would the points awarded.

Experiment

Definition: An investigation undertaken to test a specific hypothesis using experiments. Experimental variables, if identified, are controlled to some extent.

• Level 1: Duplicating a known experiment to confirm the hypothesis. Hypothesis is totally predictable.
• Level 2: Extend a known experiment through modification of procedures, data gathering and application.
• Level 3: Devise and carry out an original experiment with controls. Variables are identified. Some significant variables are controlled. Data analysis includes graphic presentation with simple statistics.
• Level 4: Devise and carry out original experimental research which attempts to control or investigate most significant variables. Data analysis includes statistical analysis.

Study

Definition: A collection and analysis of data to reveal evidence of a fact, situation or pattern of scientific interest. It could include a study of cause and effect relationships or theoretical investigations of scientific data. Variables, if identified, are by their nature not feasible to control, but an effort to make meaningful correlation is encouraged.

• Level 1: Study of existing printed material related to the basic issue.
• Level 2: Study of material collected through compilation of existing data and through personal observations. Display attempts to address a specific issue.
• Level 3: Study based on observations and literary research illustrating various options for dealing with a relevant issue. Appropriate arithmetic, graphical or statistical analysis in relation to some significant variables.
• Level 4: Study correlating information from a variety of significant sources which may illustrate cause and effect or original solutions to current problems through sythesis. Significant variable(s) identified with in-depth statistical analysis of data.

Innovation

Definition: Involving the development and evaluation of innovative devices, models or techniques or approaches in fields such as technology, engineering, or computers (both hardware and software).

• Level 1: Building models (devices) to duplicate existing technology.
• Level 2: Make improvements to, or demonstrate new applications for existing technological systems or equipment and be able to justify them.
• Level 3: Design and build innovative technology or provide adaptations to existing technology that will have economic applications and/or human benefit.
• Level 4: Integrate several technologies, inventions or designs and construct an innovative technological system that will have commercial and/or human benefit.

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