Over the last three semesters, through Science and Global Change I have learned a lot about the nature of science. This program aimed to help me plan for resilience and knowledgeable decision making for the future and global change. I think my experiences as a SGC Scholar has really helped me in understanding that.
We started the program off with learning about the hypothetico-deductive method of science. This method calls for starting with more general ideas and then using deductive reasoning to get to more specific conclusions. This usually calls us to identify a broad problem, to define it, create a hypothesis, determine the variables, collect data, analyze that data and then to interpret that data. This is very helpful to learn starting out freshman year because I would have to employ this method frequently in my classes outside of Science and Global Change, especially as a psychology student. Specifically this year in my PSYC300 class, the scientific/ the hypothetico-deductive method was constantly used. PSYC300 was a research and development course. I was required to conduct multiple experiments and studies including correlational, observational, factorial, qualitative and mediation designs. All of which required the same steps as the hypothetico-deductive method. At the beginning of that class, I was given a broad problem of what causes functional memory, which I then had to define. After I had to develop a hypothesis: higher reward responsiveness causes better functional memory. I then had to use this hypothesis and causal theory for the remainder of the course to complete the other designs. Throughout the designs in various ways I had to determine and operationalize, measure and collect data. Following how I collected the data, would determine what data analysis to use and finally interpret the data. Without Science and Global Change going over the method so extensively, I do not think I would have understood the importance of the scientific method or its working details as much as I did walking into PSYC300. I also do not think I would have understood the designs as much as I did had I not had this background knowledge.
The hypothetico-deductive method of science really was a topic in the SGC colloquium that has been the most effective in connecting me to my major. Not only was it fundamental to understand in my PSYC300 class, in all of my other psychology courses, it was mentioned at least once. Both my adult psychopathology and health psychology course mentioned the scientific method. Research, like in many other fields, is critical to psychology in maintaining updated practices and creating effective and proactive treatments. I am sure I will encounter and practice this method in future courses as well.
Another instance where the scientific method had blended into my schedule was my BSCI170/171 course from freshman year. This was one of the supporting courses for SGC and a requirement for my major. BSCI171 was a lab course where I also conducted experiments and because this also employed the scientific method. Through the Science and Global Change program we also learned about the importance of practicing ethical science which I also had to practice. I had to make sure I was honest with my data and not manipulating or making it up.
Through SGC, I also learned the importance of interaction and how it can improve learning. We had multiple group projects throughout the program that showed how effective collaboration can be. For example, in our most recent group project with team presentations, it would have seemed very daunting and unappealing to complete the assignment if I did not have other people to split up the work. Because we were working together, everyone had a very even and manageable workload. The project was definitely completed faster than it could have been if I was just me. SGC also encourages active contribution. I do not think I have personally contributed to SGC a notable amount but I have been a good team member in projects. I make sure to complete my part in a timely manner. I have also completed field trip activities through excursions and learned material from SGC in the real world. In terms of the degree that being in scholars brought me in contact with people or concepts that challenged previous beliefs or opinions I had, I don't think any big beliefs were challenged. The only thing I can think of is through working in group projects, new perspectives and ideas were brought in in helpful ways that changed how I first saw the assignment.
Being a Science and Global Change scholar has taught me a lot and I am very grateful for the experiences and people I met through the program. One particular lesson I learned throughout my time here, that I have no doubt will have to use in my future, is teamwork. This goes towards my future as a junior or senior, in post undergraduate education and in my professional career.