George Mason University

Scientific Reasoning Competency

Assessment Proposal

October 31, 2003

Definition of Scientific Reasoning Competence:

Scientific reasoning is grounded on the principle that there is a scientific way of knowing that is different from other ways of knowing such as philosophical or theological thought, artistic or written expression. The scientific way of knowing includes several basic tenets that are reflected in the following list of learning goals:

1. Students will demonstrate that they understand the ways of scientific knowing, including inductive and deductive, empirical and theoretical.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to develop and test a hypothesis.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to read and interpret data.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret both primary and secondary sources.
5. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative methods.
6. Students will demonstrate an awareness of both the power of the scientific process and its limitations.
7. Students will demonstrate an awareness of communication as an integral part of the scientific way of knowing, both between and among scientists, and between scientists and the rest of society.
8. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and value the role of science in both personal and public/societal decision-making.

Standards for Scientific Reasoning Competence:

Competency standards will be established by a faculty committee comprised of faculty who teach courses in general education that satisfy the natural science requirement and members of the Scientific Reasoning Competency Assessment Committee.

Description of Methodology Used to Gather Evidence of Competency:

George Mason General Education requirements include 39 courses from which students must select two, one of which must have a laboratory experience. Faculty are developing common test items that reflect the competency definitions stated above. During spring 2004, George Mason introductory science instructors will pilot these questions in several classes as part of final exams. The answers to these questions will count toward the students’ grades in their courses, but these questions will also be analyzed separately in the aggregate to assess how competent George Mason students are in scientific reasoning. Standards will be established after this pilot testing is completed. Pending a review of the process, this effort will be repeated in fall 2004.

Analysis and Presentation of Results

George Mason will present the results of this assessment to SCHEV in the form of aggregate data. Percentages of high proficiency, acceptable proficiency and low proficiency will be displayed. Internally, we will analyze results to determine whether we should make curricular or pedagogical changes.

Provost Peter N. Stearns____________________________________________________

Date____________________________________________________________________