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Conceptions of Good Science in Our Data-Rich World
Kevin C Elliott1, Kendra S Cheruvelil1, Georgina M Montgomery1
1Kevin C. Elliott (kce@msu.edu) is an associate professor in Lyman Briggs College, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Philosophy; Kendra S. Cheruvelil is an associate professor in Lyman Briggs College and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Georgina M. Montgomery is an associate professor in Lyman Briggs College and the Department of History; and Patricia A. Soranno is a professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, in East Lansing. All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the paper and the supporting research. KCE organized the collaboration and initiated the writing process. All authors contributed text, reviewed manuscript drafts, and approved the final version.
An iterative scientific method framework helps understand and evaluate data-intensive science, drawing from historical and modern research. This approach offers insights for reforming scientific practices in funding, publishing, and education.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Debates on scientific methods are centuries old and intensified by data-intensive science.
- Criticisms of data-intensive science often stem from long-standing conflicts regarding hypothesis testing, not solely data volume.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate how an iterative account of scientific methods can clarify data-intensive practices.
- To propose improved evaluation methods for data-intensive research.
- To suggest reforms in scientific funding, publishing, and education.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an iterative framework from the history and philosophy of science.
- Analyzing case studies including Darwin's evolution research and macrosystems ecology.
- Examining changes in scientific funding, publishing, and education.
Main Results:
- An iterative model effectively explains data-intensive scientific practices.
- This framework facilitates innovative approaches to scientific evaluation.
- Current scientific spheres show emerging alignment with this richer account of practice.
Conclusions:
- The iterative account of scientific methods provides a valuable lens for understanding and evaluating modern data-intensive research.
- Reforms in scientific funding, publishing, and education are needed to better reflect the realities of contemporary scientific practice.
- Adopting this richer perspective can foster more effective scientific inquiry and evaluation.
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