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Notes on Inquiry Skills

Paul Grobstein
March 2007

From http://serendipstudio.org/local/scisoc/elemsci/grobstein10dec06.html

1. Distinguish between "observations" and "interpretations/stories"

   I saw A,B,C and think therefore D
   vs
   I saw D

2. Recognize that "interpretations/stories" are one of multiple ways to account for observations

   A,B,C might mean D, or E, or F

3. Recognize that multiple "interpretations/stories" for a given set of observations are not only acceptable but may be valuable
   1. Different ones may be most useful in different circumstances
   2. Different ones may fit more comfortably with other "interpretations/stories" deriving from other sources
   3. Combinations of different ones may motivate new questions/ observations/interpretations/stories

4. Recognize that there is a valuble social character/interplay in science/inquiry
5. Recognize that "interpretations/stories" in turn affect observations, and so diverse perspectives are valuable
6. Recognize that, in light of the above, no "interpretation/story" or set of observations in unchallengable
7. Derive pleasure/satisfaction from the inevitably ongoing process of inquiry as not only discovery but also creation

From http://serendipstudio.org/local/scisoc/elemsci/21feb07.html

• making things testable
• "logic" of evidence
• correlation vs causality
• measurement/quantification
• uses and limitations of generalization
• passive vs manipulative observations

From http://serendipstudio.org/complexity/emergence06/8feb06.html

• There is neither a solid foundation nor a fixed objective
  • and so no point in fighting about either
• Start where you are, solve local problems/puzzles, learn from/be changed by the process, imagine what might yet be, act to try and create it, learn from/be changed by that ("radical incrementalism"?)
  • Defer for the present those problems/puzzles lacking local solutions or for which possible local solutions seem likely to reduce rather than enhance the ongoing process of exploration - Avoid premature story telling
• Accept/value that everyone starts in a different place, experiences/tries different things, and so will have at any given time different stories (also,like yours, always in progress)
• Listen to other peoples' stories, share one's own, learn from, be changed by the exchanges
• Avoid getting preoccupied with what has been, is, should be. Enjoy process and the room made available by what might be that neither you not anyone else has yet conceived.
• Additional tricks for "revolutionary science/inquiry"
  • looking from wider perspective to notice patterns
  • making observations that seriously upset local problem solving processes in several realms
  • denying one or more generally accepted starting points and following the implications of such denial

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