Peer Review

Why Science Is Not Just a Theory

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jan 7, 2017 by Psychology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

“Why Science Is Not Just a Theory” is a short video (3:43) that offers a simultaneously engaging and educational examination of the term “theory.” It explains why a scientific theory cannot be dismissed as “just a theory.”

The video is produced and copyrighted by The Royal Institution and is narrated by noted physicist Jim Al-Khalili.

Type of Material:

The learning material is a short animated video.

Recommended Uses:

The video would serve as a beneficial supplement to classroom discussion and could be played in class or assigned for out-of-class viewing.

Technical Requirements:

The video is available through YouTube and requires no special technical requirements. Two peer reviewers successfully accessed the video using Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Students will learn how scientists use the word theory vs. how the general public uses the term.

Target Student Population:

The video's easily understood explanation makes it useful for anyone studying any science. Students in junior high school, high school, and college will benefit greatly from this material. Some students at all levels struggle with the term theory.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

No prerequisite knowledge is required.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: • The video offers a simple presentation that makes an intelligent point. • The content provided is accurate and significant. Those in a scientific field understand what it means to call something a theory. However, the term theory is used much differently by the general public. The examples in the video clarify this important difference.
Concerns:: None.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: • The presentation distinguishes between suppositions and quantified, tested relationships. This short video can help students to grasp the difference, and apply this to most all areas of learning and life. • The presentation engages the viewer by beginning with a description of a friend’s silly theories, thus making the point that the term “theory” is used rather casually in every day life to describe hunches. The video then goes on to explain how this is very different vs. what is meant by scientific theories.
Concerns:: • It is always challenging to consider theories that violate beliefs one may have; evolution is an obvious example. Material such as this may need to be viewed multiple times, and may require discussion and reflection when the topic challenges one’s beliefs. However, challenging theories with science is the appropriate response, rather than dismissing them.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: • The video is easily accessed and is easily replayed. It will play on any Internet connection. The examples will help viewers relate to the appropriate use of the term theory.
Concerns:: • Some users will feel the animation, words, and audio move a bit quickly for easy digestion and understanding. Fortunately, the online video format allows for easy replay.

Other Issues and Comments:: The video does an excellent job of providing perspective on how theories developed by individuals in ordinary life differ from those established scientifically through study and experimentation. Instructors may wish to prepare additional examples and illustrations to facilitate class discussion.
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