Phil,
Try Otto's 1947 paper on the sedimentation unit. You can distill out of
it some rather interesting ideas about interpretation and synthesis -
and the section of "assignable causes of variation" is valuable in
establishing a valid hierarchy of interpretation of natural phenomena.
By extension you can add a cautionary note on the dangers of over
interpreting data when to do so is not valid.
Otto, C.H. 1938. The sedimentation unit and its use in field sampling. J.
Geol. 46: 569-582
Chris Baldwin
Phil Novack-Gottshall wrote:
Hi all,
In the spirit of new year's reflections, I'm seeking recommendations
for
your favorite papers on "the scientific method," and historical
methods in particular. I plan to use several in an introductory
historical geology/geobiology course that includes many
non-science-majors, and would prefer ones that are short, of a general
nature, and a "classic". Although the books (i.e.,
Popper, Kuhn) are also great, they'll be of less use to me
currently.
Examples include:
Chamberlain, T.C. 1965 (reprinted from 1890). The method of
multiple working hypotheses. Science 148: 754-759.
Platt, J.R. 1964. Strong inference. Science 146:
347-353.
Cleland, C.E. 2001. Historical science, experimental science,
and the scientific method. Geology 27: 987-990.
Aside from the latter article, I have had a difficult time tracking
down
those that explicitly discuss historical methods (or that don't
downright
disparage them as unworthy of science, the "stamp-collector"
mentality). Any recommendations for these are especially
encouraged.
Apologies for cross-posting.
Thanks,
Phil
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Phil
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Assistant
Professor
Department of
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"Do not be too moral. You
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morality. Be not simply good;
be good
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