Purchase Solution

Scientific method, Galileo and the "Flat Earth"

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Hello. Please help me with the following:
1. What harm can be done by reporting false or poor data in a scientific report ? How does the scientific method correct such errors and fraud ?

2. What observations did Galileo make that reinforced the heliocentric model ? Why did these observations contradict the geocentric model ? Why could these observations not have been made before Galileo ?

3. How could you prove to a member of the "Flat-Earth Society" that the Earth is really round ?

Thanks.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

Addresses three questions: one on data and the scientific method, second on Galileo and the Heliocentric/Geocentric debate of those days and third regarding discounting a "Flat Earth"

Solution Preview

1) A great example of false data would be the Fleischman & Pons "cold fusion" experiment from 1989 wherein inflated claims of excess heat and the detection of Helium product. The former effect has been supposedly replicated by some researchers and the latter retracted by the pair.

Of course the problems with both replication by other researchers and repeatability bear strongly to "self correction" in that others trying to replicate an experiment, and anyone trying to repeat the same should, within the realm of probability, achieve the same or similar results. (Wikipedia has a well-referenced discourse on the matter)

If your school frowns on Wikipedia .... look at the external references listed on the bottom (note links at references #2, 8, 9, 11, 61-62, 64, 68, 114 {on 114 click the title not the author ... it opens a "Google ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Scientific Revolution - Heliocentric vs. geocentric

    What role did Protestantism play in the Scientific Revolution? 1. What is the Scientific Method? The Scientific Method is the standard for testing a hypothesis in order to establish an answer to a specific question.

  • The evolution of the Copernican views

    In this model, the Earth is again placed at the center of the Universe, and the Sun, Moon and stars revolve around the Earth.

  • The Assayer by Galileo

    scientific method.

  • Galileo and gravity experiment

    48786 Galileo and Gravity Experiment Describe what Galileo did in terms of the scientific method with his gravity experiment? What question did he ask of the universe? What test did he use to obtain an answer?

  • Describing scientific experiments, method and scientists

    554367 Describing scientific experiments, method and scientists Below is a list of important scientific experiments and the scientist who conducted them.

  • Scientific Research & Innovation as Objects of Fear

    Galileo, who, via his telescope proved the sun is the center of the system and the earth and planets revolved around it, was seen as an instrument of evil out to destroy the Church and the established order of 'God'.

  • Truth and Knowledge in the time of Galileo

    earth being the center of the universe.

  • Philosophy of Religion

    Based on scientific evidence, the church later accepted the heliocentric theory, because it was demonstrated that Galileo was partially right concerning the mobility of the earth (Galieo, http://www.archivecatholic.com.

  • Quantum Mechanics and Galileo's Influence

    All of this led to his conclusions that the sun was located in the centre of the "heavenly orbits", and that the earth rotates around this. Discussion of quantum mechanics, DNA and Galileo are included in this solution.

View More Related Solutions