What is truth?

In my family relations course this week we talked a lot about what is true and how we determine truth. There are so many different sources that try to tell us what truth is. Some of the sources I have seen in my own life are: social media, news outlets, religion, and mankind. I guess one of the biggest questions for me is am I actually taking what I hear to be truth right away or am I using specific methods to determine if what I hear is true or not. One of the most basic methods of Science is the Scientific method. I love the scientific method because it never changes. I learned it for the first time in the 4th grade, and then in every grade after that! The scientific method goes as follows: 

1. Making an observation

Observing phenomena, happening or pattern of events. 

2. Form a hypothesis

Using data to explain scientific ideas. 

3. Carry out An experiment 

Tests that reasonably confirm or overturn hypothesis. 

4. Collect data

Carefully measuring results of experiments. 

5. Analyzing results 

Review and present the data in ways that make it easier to find results of experiments. 

6. Repeat the experiment 

Repeating the experiment helps show that the first time wasn’t by chance. 

Because of the scientific method the world continues to move forward with “huge advances” that helps us cultivate a greater world. It doesn’t have to be just used in creating energy, electricity, or clean water (although those are all worthy causes). It can be used in studying social sciences! I wanted to share the scientific method in my blog post because It is something I am going to be using a lot as I share what I learn throughout this 14 week course. And it is important to understand why I will be analyzing case studies the way I do. In an article provided by my professor it says “ it is not as easy to use the scientific method when trying to reach conclusions about our attraction to other people, marriage choices, parenting styles and whether or not to pay your kids an allowance. Social sciences--including a systematic study of family and family relations--is presents unique challenges”. Those challenges include: 

-That behavior with humans is significantly harder to measure than “other areas of scientific inquiry”. We can measure plants a lot easier because there are no ethics involved. But when measuring humans we have boundaries we have to work with. 

-It is difficult to identify variables in human experience and choice. Can you read my thoughts? No. Can I read your thoughts? No. If someone claims to be able to remind the mind the truth is that they are just great scientists that have almost perfected the art of observation. 

-It is difficult to carry out experiences with humans because again...ethics! 

-Going back to the whole variable issue. It would be incredibly difficult to account for EVERY variable that is part of our human experience. “To do so would be wildly unethical and potentially harmful”. 

So how do we use the scientific method then to find truth when studying out social sciences? We do what we can! We create hypothesis, collect the data that is made available to us, and use reason and logic to creat theories that can at least explain answers to some of our most complex questions. Some other sources that are used are questionnaires that “help correlate variables”. 

Two definitions to keep in mind: 

Correlation: some things have connections. 

Causation: one variable made another variable the way it is. 

Also keep in mind: correlation does not equal causation!

The last thing I would like to write in this post is that we must be intentional about how we learn. Sometimes we have to set our own opinions and beliefs aside and really analyze what is going on with what research shows! And to take it for what it is. I hope that this info has been of help. I am excited to start referring to the scientific method as I share what I learn in class each day!