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How do scientists respond to anomalies? Different strategies used in basic and applied science
Susan Bell Trickett1, J Gregory Trafton, Christian D Schunn
1Naval Research LaboratoryUniversity of Pittsburgh.
Topics in Cognitive Science
|August 29, 2014
Summary
Scientists use different strategies to resolve anomalies. Basic scientists employ mental simulation, while applied scientists manipulate images. Novices compare images, unlike experts.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive science
- Scientific expertise
Background:
- Prior research suggests three anomaly-resolution strategies: mental simulation, image manipulation, and image comparison.
- Understanding how scientists' expertise influences their approach to anomalies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how scientists with varying expertise and in different scientific domains respond to anomalies.
- To identify the specific cognitive strategies employed in anomaly resolution.
Main Methods:
- Two in vivo studies were conducted.
- Study 1 compared experts in basic (physics) and applied (meteorology) science.
- Study 2 compared novice and expert meteorologists.
Main Results:
- Basic scientists utilized mental simulation for anomalies.
- Applied scientists employed mental image manipulation.
- Novice meteorologists used image comparison, unlike experts.
Conclusions:
- Expertise and scientific domain influence anomaly-resolution strategies.
- The findings offer insights into scientific creativity and problem-solving approaches.
Keywords:
AnomaliesCausal reasoningCreativityDiagrammatic reasoningExpertiseMental modelsMental simulationScientific reasoningMore Related Videos
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