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Analytical thinking
A way of systematic analysis that asks how can I break this problem into its constituent parts.
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biocentric preservation
A philosophy that emphasized the fundamental right of living organisms to exist and pursue their own ends.
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blind experiments
A design in which researchers don't know which subjects were given experimental treatment until after data have been gathered and analyzed.
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controlled studies
Comparisons made between two populations that are identical (as far as possible) in every factor except the one being studied.
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creative thinking
Original, independet thinking that asks 'How might I approach this problem in new and inventive ways?"
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critical thinking
An ability to evaluate information and opinions in a systematic, purposeful, efficient manner.
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deductive reasoning
"Top down" reasoning in which we start with a general principle and derive a testable prediction about a specific case.
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double-blind
Neither the subject (participant) nor the experimenter knows which participants are receiving the experimental or the control treatmens until after data have been gathered and analyzed.
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environmental science
The systematic, scientific study of our environment, as well as our role in it.
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hypothesis
A conditional explanation that can be verified or falsified by observation or experimentation.
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inductive reasoning
"Bottom up" reasoning in which we study specific examples and try to discover patterns and derive general explanations from collected observations
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paradigms
Overarching models of the world that shape our world views and guide our interpretation of how things are.
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parsimony
A principle that says where two equally plausible explanations for a phenomenon are possible, we should choose the simpler one ( Occam's razor)
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reflective thinking
A thoughtful, contemplative analysis that asks, "What does this all mean?"
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reproducibility
Making an observation, or obtaining a particular result repeatedly.
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scientific theory
An explanation or idea accepted by a substantial number of scientists.
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sustainability
Ecological, social and economic systems that can last over the long terms.
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utilitarian conservation
The philosophy that resources should be used for the greatest number for the longest time.
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