Analysis of the Actual Scientific Inquiries of Physicists I

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of a specific article related to the inquiry process of physicists, focusing on the expectations of mathematical content versus the qualitative insights provided in the paper. Participants explore the implications of the article's approach to discussing human behavior and research methodology in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants find the article entertaining and insightful regarding the actual practice of physicists, suggesting it offers a glimpse into the inquiry process.
  • Others express disappointment over the lack of mathematical content, questioning the relevance of the article's qualitative approach to the field of physics.
  • A participant argues that the article is not intended as a physics research paper but rather as a study of methodology and research practices.
  • There is a suggestion that readers might have expected data re-analysis or new models applied to existing data, indicating a desire for a more quantitative approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of the article, with some appreciating its qualitative insights while others criticize its lack of mathematical rigor. Multiple competing views on the expectations of the article remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing assumptions about the nature of the article, particularly regarding the expected integration of mathematics and data analysis in discussions of human behavior and research methodology.

ZapperZ
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This is a very entertaining reading. It does give a bit of a glimpse of the "actual practice" (if there is such a thing) of the inquiry process within the daily workings of physicists.

http://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0506191

The title does imply that there may be other future parts to this.

Zz.
 
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Howcome there is just 'blah blah blah' and no mathematics?
 
cronxeh said:
Howcome there is just 'blah blah blah' and no mathematics?

Because this is a blah blah blah type of article without mathematics. What KIND of mathematics were you expecting in describing human behavior and practice?

Zz.
 
I don't know, I thought there would be some data re-analysis and some overlooked concepts discussed, or perhaps new models applied to old data, etc..
 
cronxeh said:
I don't know, I thought there would be some data re-analysis and some overlooked concepts discussed, or perhaps new models applied to old data, etc..

The paper was a study of methodology and the process at doing research-front work. It isn't a physics research paper.

Zz.
 

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