Fish and Wildlife Population Ecology  - Dr. Edward O. Garton

 

 

 

Ecological Understanding: The Nature of Theory and the Theory of Nature

Wlf 504 Sec 7

CRN:  65536

E. O. Garton

Spring 2011

Wed and Fri at 12:30-1:20 p.m. in CNR 203

Accelerated course finished by March 12.


 

What is the nature of scientific understanding?  How do scientists do “good science” to advance our understanding?  Pickett et al (2007, Ecological Understanding: The Nature of Theory and the Theory of Nature, Academic Press) suggest understanding “implies that questions about a phenomenon can be answered by referring to certain patterns in nature, relationships among entities and processes, and causes of the patterns and their differences.“ Our understanding in ecology is summarized in the form of theories which Pickett et al (2007) define as "a system of conceptual constructs that organizes and explains the observable phenomena in a stated domain of interest."  They identify components of theory as domains, assumptions, concepts, definitions, facts, confirmed generalizations, laws, models, translation modes, hypotheses and a framework.

 

Almost 20 years ago R.H. Peters (1991,  A Critique for Ecology, Cambridge Univ. Press) called the lack of predictive theory in ecology a crisis.  Ten years ago E. D. Ford (2000, Scientific Method for Ecological Research, Cambridge Univ. Press) laid out a roadmap for ecologists to advance ecological understanding.  Have we succeeded?   

 

Our goal in this seminar will be to explore the advantages of being explicit about these thought processes to help anyone undertaking ecological research by beginning with a theoretical foundation on which to construct predictions and testable hypotheses.  We will read and discuss Pickett et al.’s recent book  as well as selections from Peter's (1991) and Ford's (2000) books augmented by other interesting perspectives such as Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolution, Lakatos’ Problem of Inductive Logic, etc. 

 

Come join us for a lively discussion of theory in ecological studies that will give you an opportunity to apply these ideas to your own research.  

Syllabus

Format:  11  discussions of chapters from Pickett et al 2007 book and other readings.  Students, faculty and other participants will take turns leading discussions on the readings.

 Projects:  Each student will apply the ideas presented by Pickett et al. to their own area of interest by indentifying the domains, assumptions, concepts, definitions, facts, confirmed generalizations, laws, models, translation modes, hypotheses and a framework that constitute the theory applicable to their own area of research, i.e. their own thesis or dissertation.  Each student will present this material in the form of an oral presentation and final paper by spring break.

 Grading:  Based one third each on student's role as discussion leader, research presentation and research paper.

 

Tentative Schedule:

 

1/12/11 - Oz Garton  Introductions and orientation

 1/14/11 - Oz Garton  Chapter 1. Integration in Ecology

 1/19/11 - ________ Chapter 2. Understanding in Ecology

 1/21/11 - _______ Chapter 3. The Anatomy of Theory

 1/26/11 - _______ Chapter 4. The Ontogeny of Theory and Chapter 2 from

R.H. Peters (1991),  A Critique for Ecology, Cambridge Univ. Press).

1/28/11 - _______ Chapter 5. The Taxonomy of Theory and Chapter 1from

Kuhn The Structure of Scientific Revolution

2/2/11 - _______ Chapter 6. Fundamental Questions: Changes in

                                                Understanding

2/4/11 - _______ Chapter 7. Integration and Synthesis

 2/9/11 - _______ Chapter 8. Constraint and Objectivity in Ecological

                                                Integration.

2/11/11 - _______ Chapter 9. Ecological Understanding and the Public

2/16/11 - _______ chapter 5 in E. D. Ford (2000), Scientific Method for Ecological Research, Cambridge Univ. Press.

 2/18/11 - _______ pp. 132-177 in Imre Lakatos Methodology of Scientific Research Programmes

2/23/11 -     _______ Student Presentation

                   _______ Student Presentation

                   _______ Student Presentation

                   _______ Student Presentation

 

2/25/11 -     _______ Student Presentation

                   _______ Student Presentation

                   _______ Student Presentation

                   _______ Student Presentation