THE NATURE OF SCIENCE

In this experiment, the hypothesis out under test is “A plan that is talked to will grow tall and produce large flower”. From a scientific point of view, this experiment failed to support the hypothesis. This approach used in the experiment was not objective. A key characteristic of a scientific method is that it should be objective, based on facts as opposed to beliefs, wishes, or desires which introduces bias in the study. Another reason why this experiment could not prove the hypothesis was because it was not possible to establish whether the change in the dependent factor (growing tall and producing flowers) was solely caused by the independent factor (talking to the plant). Naturally, a plant will grow tall and produce flower. There was no control group to ensure the comparison of results to affirm the hypothesis. The values being described in the study are absolute and objective realities which implies that the values are not related to other factors (Davis, 2000).

2.

In addressing the flaws in the experiment, I would first ensure that there is both a control and intervention group for the experiment. The plant in the intervention group and control group would receive same conditions. The only difference would be that the intervention (talking to the plant would only be done to the intervention plant. The values being measured (growing tall and producing flowers) would not be described in an absolute manner but in a subjective manner that would show comparison e.g. “Talking to plants makes them grow taller by 10% than not talking to them”. Another important method of dealing with the flaws would be addressing the bias caused by lack of using an objective approach would by considering a null hypothesis in the experiment.

3. 

In such a case, I would not use money to purchase these pills without first establishing that truly the lack of cold is associated with the use of the pills. This is because, the friend might have a strong immunity that resists cold even without using the pill. I would need to establish what would be the effects of not taking the pills by this friend. I would request the friend to stop taking the pill for some time and without changing other factors observe whether the he could catch the cold. This would allow me to establish whether the reason for lack of cold is caused by an inherent immunity or acquired immunity from the pills. 

ReferenceDavis, B. D. (2000). The scientist’s world. Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 64(1), 1-12.