400453603
Connie Tang
REFLECTION:
1) Briefly explain how Western and Indigenous science can benefit from one another
Western and Indigenous science can benefit from one another by creating greater insights and
including many different approaches and perspectives. For example, while Western science is more
materialist and quantitative, Indigenous science is more spiritual and qualitative (Mazzochi, 2006).
Additionally, while Western science is more analytical, Indigenous science is more intuitive and holistic
(Mazzochi, 2006). These strengths possessed by both parties have the potential to greatly complement
each other and benefit in fields such as environmental conservation, since the Indigenous have a deep
understanding of their environment and Western science has a lot of innovative technology. All in all,
combining Western and Indigenous science can significantly benefit society and lead to new profound
discoveries.
2) Briefly explain in your own words how you applied the scientific method by completing the reaction
time activity
First, my group and I defined our question: How does reaction time compare between the
dominant finger (pointer) vs. the non-dominant finger (pinky)? Second, we formulated our directional and
non-directional hypotheses: “When a non-dominant finger is used, the reaction time will increase” and
“Utilizing a non-dominant finger will impact reaction time.” Third, we formulated our predictions based
on the hypotheses: “Using the pinky will increase reaction time” and “Using the pinky will impact
reaction time.” Fourth, we tested our hypotheses and predictions through each completing three trials of
the reaction time test using our index fingers versus using our pinkies and collecting that data in a table.
Fifth, we analyzed our data and calculated the difference in our average reaction times when using our
index fingers versus using our pinkies. We observed that our average reaction times when using our index
fingers were faster than when using our pinkies; we noticed that our data supported our hypotheses, thus
completing the sixth step. Lastly, we concluded and communicated our results to the class. Based on our
data, we concluded that there is a strong correlation between using a dominant finger and achieving a
faster reaction time, as well as between using a non-dominant finger and achieving a slower reaction time
3) List and describe three skills you hope to learn in this course
Throughout this course, I hope to gain better inference skills so that I can interpret my
experimental results with efficiency and accuracy. I also hope to learn how to communicate my findings
with different audiences effectively so that I do not confuse anyone with complicated scientific jargon yet
am still able to scientifically convey my results. Lastly, I hope to learn how to set up experiments so that I
can effectively test my hypotheses and find answers to my questions.
